Journal Published Online: 01 January 1996
Volume 41, Issue 1

pH Indicators As Chemical Reagents for the Enhancement of Footwear Marks

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Enhancement of weak two-dimensional shoemarks is often necessary due to the poor image detail. Thiocyanate is regarded in the literature as the most effective reagent for the chemical enhancement of footwear marks. In this study we have examined the possibility of using pH indicators, Bromophenol Blue and Bromocresol Green, as chemical reagents for the enhancement of footwear marks. The performance of these reagents on various surfaces, such as plastic sheets, brown paper, cardboard, porcelain bathroom tiles and cotton cloth, was compared to that of the thiocyanate reagent. It was found that these reagents were much more effective than ammonium thiocyanate for the samples of shoeprints in various regions of Israel. The mechanism of chemical enhancement of footwear marks by these reagents was elucidated. A solution of 1% Bromophenol Blue and 5% of water in methanol was chosen as the Bromophenol Blue formulation in this laboratory for the chemical enhancement of shoeprints.

Author Information

Glattstein, B
Toolmarks and Materials Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science, Israel Police Headquarters, Jerusalem, Israel
Shor, Y
Toolmarks and Materials Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science, Israel Police Headquarters, Jerusalem, Israel
Levin, N
Toolmarks and Materials Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science, Israel Police Headquarters, Jerusalem, Israel
Zeichner, A
Toolmarks and Materials Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science, Israel Police Headquarters, Jerusalem, Israel
Pages: 4
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS13891J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13891J