Sourcing explosives: a multi-isotope approach.
Although explosives are easily identified with current instrumental techniques, it is generally impossible to distinguish between sources of the same substance. To alleviate this difficulty, we present a multi-stable isotope (delta13C, delta15N, delta18O, deltaD) approach for appraising the possibility of discriminating explosives. The results from 30 distinct PETN, TNT and ANFO samples show that the different families of explosives are clearly differentiated by both their specific isotope signatures and their combination with corresponding element concentrations. Coupling two or more of the studied isotope systematics yields an even more precise differentiation on the basis of their raw-material origin and/or manufacturing process.
Widory
David
D
BRGM, 3 Avenue Claude Guillemin, BP 6009, 45060 Orléans Cedex 2, France. d.widory@brgm.fr
Minet
Jean-Jacques
JJ
Barbe-Leborgne
Martine
M
D002247:Carbon Isotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D053834:Explosive Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D044707:Forensic Sciences / Q000379:methods; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D010103:Oxygen Isotopes / Q000032:analysis*
D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D053834:Explosive Agents; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes; D010103:Oxygen Isotopes