Simulating transfer and persistence of a chemical marker powder for Lycopodium clavatum spores.
In this research a chemical marker powder, based on Lycopodium clavatum spores, was studied to determine its transfer and persistence on a T-shirt. Such chemical marker powders are used to provide evidence that a person has handled a covertly marked object, such as a drug package. The powder was found to transfer readily between a marked item and the person handling it. The powder was found to persist on a T-shirt for up to 13h; however, there was only a very small amount of powder remaining at this time. The rate of loss of the L. clavatum spores was found to follow a decay curve. The largest decrease in spores from the T-shirt was seen in the first 2h after the marked item had been handled.
Howarth
Jennifer
J
Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Mt Albert Science Centre, Hampstead Road, Auckland, New Zealand.
Coulson
Sally
S
Newton
Angus
A
D003020:Clothing; D003415:Crime; D005260:Female; D005453:Fluorescence; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007811:Lanthanum; D032502:Lycopodium; D008274:Magnesium; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011208:Powders; D013052:Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; D013170:Spores / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D017973:Tungsten Compounds; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D011208:Powders; D017973:Tungsten Compounds; C016534:lanthanide nitrate; D007811:Lanthanum; D008274:Magnesium; C045951:tungstate