Forensic analysis of explosives using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) - discrimination of ammonium nitrate sources

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorBenson, SJen_AU
dc.contributor.authorLennard, CJen_AU
dc.contributor.authorMaynard, Pen_AU
dc.contributor.authorHill, DMen_AU
dc.contributor.authorAndrew, ASen_AU
dc.contributor.authorRoux, Cen_AU
dc.date.accessioned2010-04-01en_AU
dc.date.accessioned2010-04-30T05:07:50Zen_AU
dc.date.available2010-04-01en_AU
dc.date.available2010-04-30T05:07:50Zen_AU
dc.date.issued2009-06en_AU
dc.date.statistics2009-06en_AU
dc.description.abstractAn evaluation was undertaken to determine if isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) could assist in the investigation of complex forensic cases by providing a level of discrimination not achievable utilising traditional forensic techniques. The focus of the research was on ammonium nitrate (AN), a common oxidiser used in improvised explosive mixtures. The potential value of IRMS to attribute Australian AN samples to the manufacturing source was demonstrated through the development of a preliminary AN classification scheme based on nitrogen isotopes. Although the discrimination utilising nitrogen isotopes alone was limited and only relevant to samples from the three Australian manufacturers during the evaluated time period, the classification scheme has potential as an investigative aid. Combining oxygen and hydrogen stable isotope values permitted the differentiation of AN prills from three different Australian manufacturers. Samples from five different overseas sources could be differentiated utilising a combination of the nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen isotope values. Limited differentiation between Australian and overseas prills was achieved for the samples analysed. The comparison of nitrogen isotope values from intact AN prill samples with those from post-blast AN prill residues highlighted that the nitrogen isotopic composition of the prills was not maintained post-blast; hence, limiting the technique to analysis of un-reacted explosive material. © 2009, Elsevier Ltd.en_AU
dc.identifier.citationBenson, S. J., Lennard, C. J., Maynard, P., Hill, D. M., Andrew, A. S., & Roux, C. (2009). Forensic analysis of explosives using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) - discrimination of ammonium nitrate sources. Science & Justice, 49(2), 73-80. doi:10.1016/j.scijus.2009.04.005en_AU
dc.identifier.govdoc1504en_AU
dc.identifier.issn1355-0306en_AU
dc.identifier.issue2en_AU
dc.identifier.journaltitleScience & Justiceen_AU
dc.identifier.pagination73-80en_AU
dc.identifier.urihttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scijus.2009.04.005en_AU
dc.identifier.urihttp://apo.ansto.gov.au/dspace/handle/10238/3014en_AU
dc.identifier.volume49en_AU
dc.language.isoenen_AU
dc.publisherElsevieren_AU
dc.subjectStable isotopesen_AU
dc.subjectAmmonium nitratesen_AU
dc.subjectExplosivesen_AU
dc.subjectIsotope ratioen_AU
dc.subjectMass spectroscopyen_AU
dc.subjectCrime detectionen_AU
dc.titleForensic analysis of explosives using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) - discrimination of ammonium nitrate sourcesen_AU
dc.typeJournal Articleen_AU
Files
License bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
license.txt
Size:
1.78 KB
Format:
Plain Text
Description:
Download
Collections
Journal Articles