GC/MS data from fire debris samples: Interpretation and applications

Authors
Citation
Jr. Wallace, GC/MS data from fire debris samples: Interpretation and applications, J FOREN SCI, 44(5), 1999, pp. 996-1012
Citations number
9
Categorie Soggetti
Research/Laboratory Medicine & Medical Tecnology
Journal title
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES
ISSN journal
00221198 → ACNP
Volume
44
Issue
5
Year of publication
1999
Pages
996 - 1012
Database
ISI
SICI code
0022-1198(199909)44:5<996:GDFFDS>2.0.ZU;2-M
Abstract
Mass chromatography is currently being adapted by many forensic laboratorie s as the preferred approach for interpreting GC/MS data from fire debris sa mples. This paper first describes software approaches for minimizing interf erences and for facilitating the identification of petroleum liquids when u sing this approach. Next, guidelines are developed for recognizing chromato graphic distortion that often occurs when petroleum liquids are recovered u sing the popular solid adsorption/elution method. It is seen that for a giv en petroleum liquid, paraffinic:aromatic ratios can vary eight fold dependi ng on the recovery conditions and sample concentration. Finally, the applic ation of these software tools and guidelines to case samples is illustrated , and an approach for categorizing an exemplar collection on the basis of q ualitative features and peak height ratios is demonstrated.