Can cadaverous pollution from environmental lead misguide to false positive results in the histochemical determination of Gunshot Residues? In-depth study using ultra-sensitive ICP-MS analysis on cadaveric skin samples
Articolo
Data di Pubblicazione:
2018
Citazione:
Can cadaverous pollution from environmental lead misguide to false positive results in the histochemical determination of Gunshot Residues? In-depth study using ultra-sensitive ICP-MS analysis on cadaveric skin samples / M. Boracchi, S. Andreola, F. Collini, G. Gentile, G. Lucchini, F. Maciocco, G.A. Sacchi, R. Zoia. - In: FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL. - ISSN 0379-0738. - 292(2018 Nov), pp. 23-26. [10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.08.041]
Abstract:
Introduction: In a previous work, we wanted to evaluate if the histochemical determination of lead in
Gunshot Residues (GSR) on firearm wounds could be misled due to possible environmental
contamination produced by heavy metals and, in particular, by lead. The Sodium Rhodizonate test
and its confirmation test with 5% HCl Sodium Rhodizonate resulted to be negative and therefore we
wanted to verify if these techniques were sensible enough in order to evaluate this element. We have
assessed, on these same samples, a more sensitive technique, as inductive coupled plasma mass
spectrometry (ICP-MS) is. This technique is able to detect elements in solution at concentrations as low as
1015 g L1.
Materials and methods: Skin samples taken from two groups of victims, whose cause of death was not
related to gunshot wounds were analyzed using ICP-MS: group A included 25 corpses found in open
spaces after a long time; group B included 16 corpses exhumed after a period of 11 years. As a positive
control group we used skin samples from two subjects that had died due to
firearm wounds: as a negative control group we used three different types of plain paraffin slides without included biological material.
Results: At the analysis by ICP-MS, the evaluation of the samples belonging to groups A, B and for the
negative control groups resulted to be negative for traces of lead (Pb), barium (Ba) and antimony (Sb). On
the other hand, high concentrations of GSR could be found in the positive control group were victims died
for firearm wounds.
Conclusions: On these basis, we can state that environmental Pb does not contaminate cadavers exposed
to open air nor those buried in soil, as confirmed using to ICP-MS technique. Sodium Rhodizonate and 5%
HCl Sodium Rhodizonate confirmation test have therefore a high sensitivity, highlighting GSRs, for the
diagnosis of death caused by firearm wounds.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Keywords:
Gunshot residues (GSR); Forensic pathology; ICP-MS; Environmental lead; Autopsy; forensic pathology
Elenco autori:
M. Boracchi, S. Andreola, F. Collini, G. Gentile, G. Lucchini, F. Maciocco, G.A. Sacchi, R. Zoia
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