Novel Forensic and Archaeological Applications of Methods Involving the Direct Multi-Elemental Analysis of Solid Materials
Loading...
Authors
MacConnachie, Margaret
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Forensic Science , Archaeological Science , Solid Sampling , ETV , ICPOES , Analytical Chemistry , Hair , Solder , Slag , Bone
Alternative Title
Abstract
Within forensic and archaeological sciences, elemental analysis of samples can offer a wealth of otherwise-inaccessible information. By analyzing materials such as bone, hair, fibers, and pottery, information about their past can be harnessed for forensic investigations and archaeological analyses. Conventionally, samples are digested prior to analysis, requiring several hundred milligrams. Although practical for larger-scale applications, forensic and archaeological samples are scare and precious, limiting their availability. Thus, the ability to directly analyze smaller quantities is highly desirable. This thesis explores applications of solid sampling in forensic and archaeological sciences using electrothermal vaporization coupled to inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. In areas where mining is prevalent, birds ingest mining waste (slag), to aid with digestion, resulting in potentially devastating health impacts. A method for the determination of sulphur and other elements in both avian bone tissue and slag was developed, allowing for the impacts of slag ingestion to be studied through the quantification of 44 elements. In criminal investigations involving improvised explosive devices, solder is a useful piece of physical evidence. By utilizing solder’s elemental fingerprint, comparisons between solder recovered from the crime scene and solder taken from suspects’ homes may indicate guilt. A method for the direct analysis of solid solder samples was developed, allowing this comparison with as little as 1.5 mg of solder; this allowed for the accurate distinction of eight solder samples. An existing method for sex determination via multi-elemental analysis of head hair in combination with multivariate statistics was expanded to include dyed hair and close family relations. The selection of new predictor elements allowed for accurate classification of both dyed and undyed samples, demonstrating method robustness. Accurate sex determination of human remains is vital in archaeology, though it is challenging in the absence of a well-preserved skeleton. An existing method for sex determination via multi-elemental analysis of hair was applied to hair collected from mummified individuals. The removal of Mg as a predictor element (due to dietary differences) allowed hair samples from living humans in North America to accurately determine the sex of individuals who lived more than 500 years ago in Peru.
Description
Citation
Publisher
License
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution 3.0 United States
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution 3.0 United States