Lead isotope ratio determination for the forensic analysis of military small arms projectiles

Gavin A. Buttigieg, Mark E. Baker, Joaquin Ruiz, M. Bonner Denton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

A study focusing on the ability to utilize isotopic analysis of Pb used in small arms projectiles from varying geographic origin was undertaken using the GV Instruments Isoprobe multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. With the exception of two classes of ammunition, these samples were able to be distinguished from one another. Also, following rigorous normalization and mass bias correction, these data were compared to data collected by geochemists in localities corresponding to projectile manufacture. This comparison was successful when projectiles in certain economically isolated countries were analyzed. Pb isotopic analysis with MC-ICPMS is shown to be useful as a tool for distinguishing between ammunition of various manufacturing origins.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)5022-5029
Number of pages8
JournalAnalytical Chemistry
Volume75
Issue number19
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2003

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Analytical Chemistry

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