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Mass spectrometry is one of the most versatile analytical techniques due to the vast range of analytes that it can detect and quantify and, as such, for its contribution to a significant number of life science fields. The legal and forensics community has certainly benefited from this technique, which has been able to provide reliable evidence in court cases. Liquid Chromatography/Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC/GC–MS) still have a dominant role in the provision of forensic intelligence. However, in the past decade new and exciting MS-based techniques have emerged and are or have evolved to be at an operational deployment maturity, enabling either fast, ambient, non-destructive, or portable screening (or encompass all of these features). In this book, developments of LC–MS and GC–MS based techniques are covered with respect to operational practice and new applications, accompanied by other MS-based techniques that are increasing forensic opportunities and that operate on a variety of evidence types. Whilst the underpinning working principles of each relevant mass spectrometry technique are summarised, each chapter primarily focuses on its implementation in criminal investigation and court cases. In the last chapters, this book additionally covers emerging MS technologies that are at the beginning of their operational implementation journey as well as niche applications outside the fields of traditional forensic science but with a clear potential to impact future investigations (forensics beyond the courtroom). This book provides an up-to-date reference for the mass spectrometry-based tools that are currently available both as established and as emerging methods within forensic practice. It will help casework commissioning managers and forensic providers worldwide to make more informed decisions as to the forensic strategy and workflow when examining exhibits. It is also recommended to postgraduates and early career investigators with reference to the contribution that these techniques and methods could make if applied to classic forensic science practice.

Forensic science combines analytical science with the requirements of law enforcement agencies and legislation. This can often pose challenges within the development of novel analytical methods, particularly with the drive to have more in-field and in-situ applications to facilitate the investigation of criminal cases. This book will explore the specific challenges encountered by forensic scientists and the developments that are being made to address these within the framework of the legislative requirements. It will provide a critical appraisal of the current challenges facing analytical approaches for the detection of forensic evidence and the state of the art technologies used to address these challenges.Providing an excellent combination of current research and how this pertains to forensic investigations, the book will also highlight key obstacles within this ever-changing environment. Aimed at graduates and forensic professionals, this is a unique oversight of the current work being undertaken within the development of analytical methods and also in the interpretation of complex crime scene samples.

Forensic analysis relates to the development of analytical methods from laboratory applications to in-field and in situ applications to resolve criminal cases. There has been a rapid expansion in the past few years in this area, which has led to an increase in the output of literature. This is the first book that brings together the understanding of the analytical techniques and how these influence the outcome of a forensic investigation. Starting with a brief introduction of the chemical analysis for forensic application, some forensic sampling and sample preparation, the book then describes techniques used in forensic chemical sensing in order to solve crimes. The techniques describe current forensic science practices in analytical chemistry and specifically the development of portable detectors to guide the authorities in the field. The book provides an excellent combination of current issues in forensic analytical methods for the graduates and professionals. It will cover the essential principles for students and directly relate the techniques to applications in real situations.

This book provides a line of communication between academia and end users/practitioners to advance forensic science and boost its contribution to criminal investigations and court cases. By covering the state of the art of promising technologies for the analysis of trace evidence using a controlled vocabulary, this book targets the forensics community as well as, crucially, informing the end users on novel and potential forensic opportunities for the fight against crime. By reporting end users commentaries at the end of each chapter, the relevant academic community is provided with clear indications on where to direct further technological developments in order to meet the law requirements for operational deployment, as well as the specific needs of the end users. Promising chemistry based technologies and analytical techniques as well as techniques that have already shown to various degrees an operational character are covered. The majority of the techniques covered have imaging capabilities, that is the ability to visualize the distribution of the target molecules within the trace evidence recovered. This feature enhances intelligibility of the information making it also accessible to a lay audience such as that typically found with a court jury. Trace evidence discussed in this book include fingermarks, bodily fluids, hair, gunshot residues, soil, ink and questioned documents thus covering a wide range of possible evidence recovered at crime scenes.

The identification and quantification of material present and collected at a crime scene are critical requirements in investigative analyses. Forensic analysts use a variety of tools and techniques to achieve this, many of which use light. Light is not always the forensic analyst's friend however, as light can degrade samples and alter results. This book details the analysis of a range of molecular systems by light-based techniques relevant to forensic science, as well as the negative effects of light in the degradation of forensic evidence, such as the breakage of DNA linkages during DNA profiling. The introductory chapters explain how chemiluminescence and fluorescence can be used to visualise samples and the advantages and limitations of available technologies. They also discuss the limitations of our knowledge about how light could alter the physical nature of materials, for example by breaking DNA linkages during DNA profiling or by modifying molecular structures of polymers and illicit drugs. The book then explains how to detect, analyse and interpret evidence from materials such as illicit drugs, agents of bioterrorism, and textiles, using light-based techniques from microscopy to surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Edited by active photobiological and forensic scientists, this book will be of interest to students and researchers in the fields of photochemistry, photobiology, toxicology and forensic science.

Build a strong foundation on the principles and procedures of modern forensic science. Forensic Science, 4th edition, Global Edition, by Andrew Jackson, Julie Jackson, Harry Mountain, and Daniel Brearley, is a perfect introductory guide for newcomers to the field. Its learner-friendly text guides you through the entire process of conducting forensic science. The book carefully examines each part of the process, teaching you the proper procedure for gathering evidence from a crime scene, how to examine and evaluate that evidence, and the presentation of scientific findings in court. Scientifically rigorous, the text remains engaging, written in a friendly style to ensure you can grasp the points at hand. This new edition incorporates revised text and information reflecting the latest knowledge in the field, as well as additional worked examples and review boxes. Approachable and comprehensive, this book serves as an ideal companion for undergraduate students beginning a forensic science course, as background for MSc students, as a reference for related professions, or for those with a casual interest in forensics.

Forensic Chemistry: Fundamentals and Applications presents a new approach to the study of applications of chemistry to forensic science. It is edited by one of the leading forensic scientists with each chapter written by international experts specializing in their respective fields, and presents the applications of chemistry, especially analytical chemistry, to various topics that make up the forensic scientists toolkit. This comprehensive, textbook includes in-depth coverage of the major topics in forensic chemistry including: illicit drugs, fibers, fire and explosive residues, soils, glass and paints, the chemistry of fingerprint recovery on porous surfaces, the chemistry of firearms analysis, as well as two chapters on the key tools of forensic science, microscopy and chemometrics. Each topic is explored at an advanced college level, with an emphasis, throughout the text, on the use of chemical tools in evidence analysis. Forensic Chemistry: Fundamentals and Applications is essential reading for advanced students of forensic science and analytical chemistry, as well as forensic science practitioners, researchers and faculty, and anyone who wants to learn about the fascinating subject of forensic chemistry in some depth. This book is published as part of the AAFS series'Forensic Science in Focus'.

The book will be an open learning / distance learning text in the Analytical Techniques for the Sciences (AnTS) covering analytical techniques used in forensic science. No prior knowledge of the analytical techniques will be required by the reader. An introductory chapter will provide an overview of the science of the materials used as forensic evidence. Each of the following chapters will describe the techniques used in forensic analysis. The theory, instrumentation and sampling techniques will be explained and examples of the application of each technique to particular forensic samples will be provided. The reader will be able to assess their understanding with the use of regular self assessment questions and discussion questions throughout the book. The user of the book will be able to apply their understanding to the application of specific techniques to particular analyses encountered in their professional life.

This highly successful textbook, acclaimed for its comprehensiveness, accuracy, and its many excellent illustrations and photographs now comes in its second edition. Completely revised and substantially extended it offers:– New chapter on Tandem Mass Spectrometry covering instrumentation, methods for ion activation (CID, ECD, ETD, IRMPD), and applications– New chapter on Ambient Mass Spectrometry (DART, DESI, and more)– New chapter on Inorganic Mass Spectrometry including element speciation and imaging– Learning Objectives for all chapters– Advanced Instrumentation such as orbitraps, linear ion traps, tandem TOFs, FT-ICR and the highly variable hybrid instruments– Updated Problems and Solutions website (www.ms-textbook.com) Jürgen H. Gross provides in-depth explanations of concepts, methods, and techniques. Students and professionals alike are guided step-by-step from the basics to the successful application of mass spectrometry. Starting from the very principles of gas-phase ion chemistry, isotopic composition, and accurate mass, Jürgen H. Gross leads through the design of all types of mass analyzers and ionization methods to mass spectral interpretation and coupling techniques. His book offers a balanced mixture of practice-oriented information and theoretical background supported by a wealth of references.From reviews of the previous edition:“…one of the best textbooks on mass spectrometry I have seen so far.” International Journal of Mass Spectrometry“…can be recommended unreservedly as a textbook and reference source…” Angewandte Chemie, International Edition

Firearms and their associated ammunition, spent bullets, and spent cartridge cases provide useful information for identifying suspects, terrorist groups, and the criminal history of a weapon. Unfortunately, despite the numerous detailed books on the physical aspects of firearms, very little has been published on the chemical aspects, and what has b

This title brings forensic scientists and chemists up-to-date on the latest instrumental methods for analysing trace evidence, including mass spectrometry, image analysis, DIOS-MS, ELISA characterization, statistical validation, and others. Illustrates comparative analysis of trace evidence by both old and new methods. Explains why some newer methods are superior to older, established methods. Includes chapters on analysis of DNA, ink, dyes, glitter, gun powder traces, condom trace evidence, footwear impressions, toolmark impressions, surveillance videos, glass particles, and dirt. Discusses applications such as mass spectrometry, image analysis, desorption-ionization on silicon mass spectrometry (DIOS-MS), ELISA characterization, and statistical validation.