ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 March 2002
Page Count: 4

Forensic Comparison of Soils by Bacterial Community DNA Profiling
Osborn, AM
University of Essex, Colchester

Nogales, B
University of Essex, Colchester

Maas, EW
The Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), Kenepuru Science Centre,

Horswell, J
The Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), Kenepuru Science Centre,

Sutherland, KBW
The Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), Kenepuru Science Centre,

Cordiner, SJ
The Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), Kenepuru Science Centre,

Martin, TM
The Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), Kenepuru Science Centre,

Speir, TW
The Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), Kenepuru Science Centre,

(Received 20 August 2001; accepted 13 August 2001)

Abstract

This preliminary investigation has shown that a soil microbial community DNA profile can be obtained from the small sample of soil recovered from the sole of a shoe, and from soil stains on clothing. We have also shown that these profiles are representative of the site of collection and therefore could potentially be used as associative evidence to prove a link between suspects and crime scenes. Soil community profiles were obtained using the T-RFLP fingerprinting method that uses fluorescent primer technology and semi-automated analysis techniques similar to those used in human DNA profiling in forensic laboratories.

Keywords:
forensic science, soil, DNA, bacteria, fingerprinting, forensic testing

Paper ID: JFS15256J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15256J
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