Differentiation of Bullet Type Based on the Analysis of Gunshot Residue Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

• Published in: Journal of forensic sciences 2011-09, Vol.56 (5), p.1268-1276
• Main Authors: Udey, Ruth N., Hunter, Brian C., Smith, Ruth Waddell
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemical elements; decomposition; Firearm discharge residue; firearms; Forensic ballistics; forensic science; gunshot residue; inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; Mass spectrometry; microwave digestion; Tissues; trace elements
• ISSN: 0022-1198; 1556-4029
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2011.01836.x

:  Porcine tissue samples shot with two different types of bullets, jacketed and nonjacketed, were collected in the fresh state and throughout moderate decomposition. Wound samples were microwave‐digested and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) to detect all elements present at measurable levels in gunshot residue (GSR). Elements detected included antimony (Sb), barium (Ba), and lead (Pb), which are considered characteristic of GSR, as well as iron (Fe) and copper (Cu). These five elements were used to differentiate shot tissue and unshot tissue, as well as tissue shot by the two different bullet types, both in the fresh state and throughout moderate decomposition. The concentrations of Cu, Sb, and Pb were able to distinguish the two bullet types in fresh tissue samples at the 95% confidence level. Cu and Pb were able to differentiate the bullet types throughout moderate decomposition at the 99% confidence level.