Jerika Ho , Darshil Patel , Wesley S. Burr , Clifford Samson , Shari L. Forbes
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Understanding the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted during human decomposition is crucial for search and recovery investigations and the development of improved human remains detection methods. However, the influence of water on human decomposition, and particularly the release of VOCs has received minimal attention compared to terrestrial scenarios. This knowledge gap is highly relevant for training human remains detection (HRD) dogs, as they are deployed in various scenarios, including land and water searches, yet little is known about the VOC profiles produced by human remains in these different environments.
The aim of this study was to establish a proof-of-concept methodology for collecting VOCs from submerged remains. Sorbent tubes and thin-film solid phase microextraction (TF-SPME) were utilized as neither have been studied for this purpose previously. Human remains were submerged in a tank of water. Headspace samples were collected by placing a metal hood over the tank to trap VOCs, which were then drawn into a sorbent tube via an air sampling pump. Water samples were collected for direct immersion utilizing TF-SPME membranes in the laboratory. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry combined with thermal desorption was employed to analyze both sample types. The sorbent tube method identified 42 compounds while the TF-SPME technique identified 34 compounds. Overall, this study successfully demonstrated the feasibility of both VOC collection and analysis methods for human remains decomposition in water.
期刊介绍：
Forensic Chemistry publishes high quality manuscripts focusing on the theory, research and application of any chemical science to forensic analysis. The scope of the journal includes fundamental advancements that result in a better understanding of the evidentiary significance derived from the physical and chemical analysis of materials. The scope of Forensic Chemistry will also include the application and or development of any molecular and atomic spectrochemical technique, electrochemical techniques, sensors, surface characterization techniques, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, chemometrics and statistics, and separation sciences (e.g. chromatography) that provide insight into the forensic analysis of materials. Evidential topics of interest to the journal include, but are not limited to, fingerprint analysis, drug analysis, ignitable liquid residue analysis, explosives detection and analysis, the characterization and comparison of trace evidence (glass, fibers, paints and polymers, tapes, soils and other materials), ink and paper analysis, gunshot residue analysis, synthetic pathways for drugs, toxicology and the analysis and chemistry associated with the components of fingermarks. The journal is particularly interested in receiving manuscripts that report advances in the forensic interpretation of chemical evidence. Technology Readiness Level: When submitting an article to Forensic Chemistry, all authors will be asked to self-assign a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) to their article. The purpose of the TRL system is to help readers understand the level of maturity of an idea or method, to help track the evolution of readiness of a given technique or method, and to help filter published articles by the expected ease of implementation in an operation setting within a crime lab.
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