Development of latent fingermarks by aqueous electrolytes.
In this work we present our observations on the interaction between metallic (copper, aluminum, iron, brass, zinc) and non-metallic (glass and plastic) surfaces bearing latent fingermarks and several aqueous electrolytic solutions. Good quality fingermarks could be observed on some of the metallic and even on non-metallic surfaces after such treatment. The influence of factors such as time interval from deposition, pH of the electrolytes, wiping the latent marks prior to processing and the presence of a second metal on the quality and permanence of the developed impressions have been studied. As a rule, sebaceous marks provided much better quality impressions on all the surfaces. Initial explanations based on electrochemical processes are suggested.
Department of Forensic Science, Science Block No. 1, Punjabi University, Patiala 147002, India. opjasuja@gmail.com
Om Prakash
OP
Jasuja
Gagandeep
G
Singh
Joseph
J
Almog
D003343:Corrosion; D003878:Dermatoglyphics; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D005898:Glass; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008670:Metals; D011126:Polypropylenes; D012629:Sebum; D013499:Surface Properties; D013542:Sweat; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*
D004573:Electrolytes; D008670:Metals; D011126:Polypropylenes; D014867:Water