Stability of explosive residues in methanol/water extracts, on alcohol wipes and on a glass surface.

The stability of four target organic explosives [pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and triacetone triperoxide (TATP)] and two inorganic anions (chlorate and nitrate) on polyester-based alcohol wipes and in 60% (v/v) methanol/water extracts, stored over 30 days in clear and amber glass vials at three different temperatures, was investigated in order to establish storage recommendations. The retention of all six representative compounds on a glass surface at two different storage temperatures was also included as a preliminary study on the stability of explosive residues on stored exhibits (such as post-blast debris). The results from the stability study suggested that, after sampling, the wipes should be stored in a dark and low temperature environment.

Establishing a universal swabbing and clean-up protocol for the combined recovery of organic and inorganic explosive residues.

A single-step solvent extraction and a solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up procedure was developed and optimised in order to establish a universal sampling and clean-up protocol for the combined recovery of organic and inorganic explosive residues. Mixtures of three common swabbing solvents (acetone, acetonitrile and methanol) with water, in various ratios, were assessed for the extraction of four target organic explosives [pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and triacetone triperoxide (TATP)] and two inorganic anions (chlorate and nitrate) from alcohol wipes that were used as a swabbing medium. An efficient, single-step extraction of both organic and inorganic compounds from the wipes was achieved using 60% v/v methanol/water.

Evaluation of different sampling media for their potential use as a combined swab for the collection of both organic and inorganic explosive residues.

Commercially available skin cleansing alcohol wipes and conventional swabs were investigated for their use as a universal sampling medium for the simultaneous collection of both organic and inorganic explosive residues. Six compounds with the potential to be encountered in casework [pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), triacetone triperoxide (TATP), ammonium nitrate, and sodium chlorate] were selected as representative target compounds. Quantities of these target compounds were deposited on four different substrates (glass, plastic, aluminium foil and laminate).