Study of the Behaviors of Gunshot Residues from Spent Cartridges by Headspace Solid‐Phase Microextraction–Gas Chromatographic Techniques |
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| Authors: | Kah Haw Chang BSc Chong Hooi Yew PhD Ahmad Fahmi Lim Abdullah PhD |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Forensic Science Program, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia;2. Royal Malaysia Police College, Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia |
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| Abstract: | Gunshot residues, produced after shooting activity, have acquired their importance in analysis due to the notoriety of firearms‐related crimes. In this study, solid‐phase microextraction was performed to extract the headspace composition of spent cartridges using 85‐μm polyacrylate fiber at 66°C for 21 min. Organic compounds, that is, naphthalene, 2,6‐dinitrotoluene, 2,4‐dinitrotoluene, diphenylamine, and dibutyl phthalate were detected and analyzed by gas chromatography‐flame ionization detection technique. Evaluation of chromatograms for diphenylamine, dibutyl phthalate, and naphthalene indicates the period after a gunshot was discharged, whether it was 1 days, 2–4 days, <5 days, 10 days, 20 days, or more than 30 days ago. This study revealed the potential effects of environmental factors such as occasional wind blow and direct sunlight on the estimation of time after spent cartridges were discharged. In conclusion, we proposed reliable alternative in analyzing the headspace composition of spent cartridges in a simulated crime scene. |
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| Keywords: | forensic science gunshot residue spent cartridge solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography time since discharge |
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