Comparative Analysis of Trace Soil Evidence by Infrared Microspectrometry

UNCP Author/Contributor (non-UNCP co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Natasha A. Bacon (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP )
Web Site: http://www.uncp.edu/academics/library
Advisor
Rachel Smith

Abstract: The objective of this experiment was to determine if soil particles could be matched to a known soil sample by infrared microspectroscopy. The infrared spectrum for soil samples collected at five different locations was collected. These samples were labeled as followed: Creek Side Golf (CSG), Mossy Oak Woods (MOW), Mossy Oak Yard (MOY), Sparrow Drive (SD), and Wilmington Beach (WB). These spectrums severed as a standard and were compared to two unknown soil samples randomly selected from the five locations. Based on the spectrum it was determine that unknown 1 came from the Sparrow Drive and unknown 2 came from Mossy Oak Woods. This proves that it is possible to determine the origin of trace soil particle. In order to determine if this holds true in all instances, a larger sample size and unknowns would need to be examined The practical application for this experiment would be matching trace soil evidence found on a victim or suspect to a specific crime scene.

Additional Information

Publication
Other
Language: English
Date: 2011
Keywords
Infrared Microspectroscopy, Soil Samples, Soil Particles, Crime Scene, Trace Soil,

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