ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 8

A Sensitive Electrochemical Method for the Analysis of Nitrite Ion and Metals in Gunshot Residue
Van Galen, DA
Undergraduate student and assistant professor chemistry, Division of Science, Northeast Missouri State University, MO

Bohannan, EW
Undergraduate student and assistant professor chemistry, Division of Science, Northeast Missouri State University, MO

(Received 4 April 1990; accepted 23 July 1990)

Abstract

A method for the analysis of nitrite ion and metals in a single gunshot residue sample using electrochemical methods of detection is described. In this method, nitrite ion present in the sample is chemically converted to a diazonium ion, which is then detected by differential pulse voltammetry. The peak current for the reduction of the diazonium ion is proportional to the nitrite concentration up to 400 ppb nitrite (r = 0.9995), with an absolute detection limit of 0.01 μg nitrite. Lead ion present in the gunshot residue sample is detected in the same voltammetric scan, and antimony is subsequently detected by anodic stripping voltammetry. The method has been successfully applied to a number of samples obtained in test firings.

Keywords:
criminalistics, gunshot residues, nitrite, chemical analysis, electrochemical analysis, lead, antimony

Paper ID: JFS13098J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13098J
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