title: Study of the Behaviors of Gunshot Residues from Spent Cartridges by Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatographic Techniques.
abstract: Gunshot residues, produced after shooting activity, have acquired their importance in analysis due to the notoriety of firearms-related crimes. In this study, solid-phase microextraction was performed to extract the headspace composition of spent cartridges using 85-μm polyacrylate fiber at 66°C for 21 min. Organic compounds, that is, naphthalene, 2,6-dinitrotoluene, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, diphenylamine, and dibutyl phthalate were detected and analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection technique. Evaluation of chromatograms for diphenylamine, dibutyl phthalate, and naphthalene indicates the period after a gunshot was discharged, whether it was 1 days, 2-4 days, <5 days, 10 days, 20 days, or more than 30 days ago. This study revealed the potential effects of environmental factors such as occasional wind blow and direct sunlight on the estimation of time after spent cartridges were discharged. In conclusion, we proposed reliable alternative in analyzing the headspace composition of spent cartridges in a simulated crime scene.
authors.affiliation: Forensic Science Program, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Kah Haw
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: Royal Malaysia Police College, Cheras, 43200, Selangor, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Chong Hooi
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Yew
authors.affiliation: Forensic Science Program, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Ahmad Fahmi Lim
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Abdullah
keywords: forensic science; gas chromatography; gunshot residue; solid-phase microextraction; spent cartridge; time since discharge