Elemental Characterization of Leaded and Lead-Free Inorganic Primer Gunshot Residue Standards Using Single Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry.

This study describes the use of single particle inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (spICP-TOFMS) for the detection and classification of inorganic gunshot residue (IGSR) particles. To establish reliable multi-element criteria to classify IGSR particles, leaded and lead-free IGSR reference materials were analyzed, and the elemental compositions of the individual particles were quantified. The results suggest that expanded element compositions may be used to classify IGSR particles via spICP-TOFMS compared to those used in conventional IGSR analysis using scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS).

Analysis of primer gunshot residue particles by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

This study reports novel approaches for the detection of gunshot residues (GSR) from the hands of individuals using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The methods' performance was evaluated using 159 GSR standard and authentic samples. Forty specimens generated from characterized microparticles were used as matrix-matched primer gunshot residue (pGSR) standards to examine the elemental profiles of leaded and lead-free residues, compared to SEM-EDS and solution-ICP-MS.

Development of tailor-made inorganic gunshot residue (IGSR) microparticle standards and characterization with a multi-technique approach.

The forensic analysis of inorganic gunshot residues (IGSR) involves analytical measurements from samples taken from skin and other substrates. The standard practice for IGSR analysis recommends the use of Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) to identify the gunshot residues using combined information of the particle's morphology and elemental composition. However, the current deficit on IGSR standard reference materials (SRM) limits the optimization of SEM-EDS for modern, lead-free ammunition and the development of emerging analytical techniques.