ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 9

Enhanced Sensitivity in Analysis of Arson Residues: An Adsorption-Tube/Gas Chromatograph Method
Daphna, D
Analytical laboratory, head of laboratories division, and analytical laboratory, Criminal Identification Division, Israel National Police Headquarters,

Frenkel, M
Researcher in formulation center, Casali Institute of Applied Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem,

Kraus, S
Analytical laboratory, head of laboratories division, and analytical laboratory, Criminal Identification Division, Israel National Police Headquarters,

Tsaroom, S
Analytical laboratory, head of laboratories division, and analytical laboratory, Criminal Identification Division, Israel National Police Headquarters,

Aizenshtat, Z
Chairman of studies and head of instrumentation division, Casali Institute of Applied Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem,

(Received 31 May 1983; accepted 20 September 1983)

Abstract

The headspace of samples taken from fire scenes were passed through a tube packed with active charcoal granules. Desorption of the compounds by either pyrolysis or carbon disulfide (CS²) and subsequent analysis by gas chromatography showed enhanced sensitivity over the headspace method. Both methods were evaluated for the analysis of gasoline, kerosene, and diesel oil. Interference caused by the presence of water was eliminated by the use of 0.4-nm molecular sieve. Case study of samples was followed by both headspace and adsorption tube methods, the latter has been found to be of a higher sensitivity.

Keywords:
criminalistics, arson, accelerants, chemical analysis, fire debris, hydrocarbons, gas chromatography, active charcoal

Paper ID: JFS11731J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11731J
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