The forensic analysis of soil organic by FTIR

In order to elucidate the discriminating power of various soil analytical t echniques, over 100 soils samples were analyzed using conventional analysis (i.e., color, percent organic and density gradient) and a novel FTIR techn ique. The FTIR technique involves collecting a spectrum of a soil sample th at has been oxidatively pyrolysed, and therefore all organic have been degr aded. This spectrum is subtracted from the spectrum of the same sample that contained the organic prior to pyrolysis. This resultant IR spectrum repre sents the organic portion of the sample. The use of organic components incr eases the discrimination in soils that are otherwise similar. We have illus trated the usefulness of this technique by selecting four soil samples, whi ch have identical Munsel color values but can be discriminated by subtracti ve ETIR. We propose that the ETIR spectra of the organic portion of soil se rves a useful purpose in forensic investigations, Published by Elsevier Sci ence Ireland Ltd.