Journal Published Online: 01 July 1987
Volume 32, Issue 4

Analysis of Gunshot Primer Residue Collection Swabs Using Flameless Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry: A Reexamination of Extraction and Instrument Procedures

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Methods of extraction of gunshot residue (GSR) swabs for determination of antimony (Sb), barium (Ba), and lead (Pb) by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) have been studied. Optimum extraction parameters were determined using recovery studies of Sb, Ba, and Pb added to swabs at amounts representative of actual GSR and handblank levels. Two difficulties with most extraction-AAS procedures are incomplete extraction of Sb and incorrect Ba results arising from improper matching of sample and standard matrices before AAS determinations. Utilization of standards made by spiking analyte elements on swabs and extraction along with samples by an efficient procedure minimizes errors in Sb, Ba, and Pb determination.

Author Information

Koons, RD
Forensic Science Research Unit, FBI Laboratory, FBI Academy, Quantico, VA
Havekost, DG
Gunshot Residue and Metals Analysis Unit, FBI Laboratory, Washington, DC
Peters, CA
Gunshot Residue and Metals Analysis Unit, FBI Laboratory, Washington, DC
Pages: 20
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS12397J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12397J