Spectrophotometric analysis of gun shot residues in forensic chemistry

This study was conducted for the analysis of residual shot from forensic chemistry applications. The entire analysis process was evaluated with Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and Grafit Fırınlı Atomik Absorpsiyon Spektrometresi (GFAAS) devices, which are among the methods of obtaining efficient results, and positive results were tried to be obtained by comparing the obtained data. After the theoretical information given on the analysis parameters with SEM/EDS and GFAAS devices, among the methods of examining firearms, shot wastes, shooting residues, first of all, the convenience in the sample collection process and the processes carried out in the process until it is ready for analysis. At the end of the analysis process, which results are more suitable were discussed, especially the suitability of samples for re-analysis was emphasized. The presence of shot residues on all samples was determined in the analyzes performed with the SEM/EDS device, but when the same samples were analyzed with the GFAAS device, the results remained below the threshold value of 10 μg/L, which is the antimony concentration indicating the presence of shot residues. It should be noted that the values we obtained may vary with the size and weight of the shot residue particles. Although the analysis method with the SEM/EDS device is a costly method, it has been evaluated to be more appropriate due to the convenience of sample collection, the ability to detect other elements other than the shot residues on the sample in analysis, and the conditions of determining the particles below the threshold value.