ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 2

A Density Gradient Technique for Use in Forensic Soil Analysis
Petraco, N
Forensic consultant to the New York City Police Department, Forensic Investigation Division, NY

Kubic, T
Full-time instructor and Ph.D. candidate in forensic science, John Jay College, City University of New York, NY

(Received 15 June 1999; accepted 4 October 1999)

Abstract

A high-density aqueous salt solution for the preparation of density gradients is presented. It has been used successfully by the authors in forensic soil analysis. It has a density range that allows for the separation of a soil specimen's heavy mineral components. It has no odor or toxic fumes, which eliminates the need to use a hood during preparation, and is far superior to the organic liquids normally used to prepare density gradients. This liquid should cause many forensic scientists to reexamine their attitudes towards using density gradients in forensic soil casework.

Keywords:
forensic science, criminalistics, density gradients, soil, analysis, comparisons, heavy mineral separation

Paper ID: JFS14786J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14786J
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