Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-01T21:58:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 tese_12216_Larissa Campos Motta.pdf: 5830957 bytes, checksum: bad711c20153d4ed1e56fd1b91ea34b7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-03-28 / Considerando o grande aumento das mortes violentas, principalmente no Brasil, e a crescente utilização de armas de fogo para cometer tais crimes, a balística forense associada a entomologia forense se tornam grandes aliadas nas investigações criminais. As concentrações de chumbo (Pb), bário (Ba) e antimônio (Sb), caracerísticos de resíduos de disparo de arma de fogo (GSR GunShot Residue), foram monitoradas em larvas de moscas (imaturos de Chrysomya albiceps). As coletas sucederam em um cadáver de porco, do sexo feminino, morto com três disparos realizados com pistola Taurus®, calibre .40 a curta distância (entre 25 e 40 cm), sendo dois disparos na região cefálica e um na região abdominal, em um período de 2 a 12 dias após a morte, durante o inverno, sob a influência da chuva e alta umidade relativa do ar. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a aplicabilidade da técnica de espectrometria de emissão óptica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP OES) para a quantificação de Pb, Ba e Sb proveniente de GSR em larvas cadavéricas num ambiente não controlado, simulando um caso real de homicidio. Foi possível detectar e quantificar os três elementos traço de interesse pela técnica proposta, onde as concentrações mantiveram-se praticamente constante durante o estágio de putrefação. Concentrações mínimas (Pb = 382,26 μg·L-1; Ba = 140,50 μg·L-1; Sb = 39,18 μg·L-1) e as concentrações máximas (Pb = 522,66 μg·L-1; Ba = 190,30 μg·L-1; Sb = 56,14 μg·L-1) foram encontradas durante o terceiro e quinto dia post mortem, respectivamente. As amostras também foram analisadas pelo teste colorimétrico usando rodizonato de sódio (reação Feigl-Suter) apresentando resultado negativo para todas as soluções obtidas a partir dos imaturos de Chrysomya albiceps. Uma hipótese para a constância nas concentrações dos três elementos, é que de acordo com a literatura, as larvas da espécie Chrysomya albiceps podem exercer papel como predadora intraguilda de larvas de outras espécies de Dípteras, além de realizar canibalismo. Sendo assim, a técnica de ICP OES apresenta maior sensibilidade na quantificação frente ao convencional teste colorimétrico, mostrando ser uma técnica aplicável a esse tipo de matriz. É importante notar que o desenvolvimento tal pesquisa é de grande importância forense e é uma técnica que apresenta potencial para aplicação futura em casos de morte violenta, em que a vítima se encontra em decomposição inicial, moderada e avançada. Nesse aspecto, o desenvolvimento e aperfeiçoamento de metodologias eficientes são de grande relevância para a elucidação de crimes.

Gunshot residue (GSR) analysis is a crucial aspect of the investigation of firearms-related incidents. The presence of GSR on a person or surface can provide valuable insight regarding proximity or involvement of an individual in a shooting incident. Traditionally, GSR analysis relies on the detection of inorganic compounds within the ammunition, known as inorganic gunshot residue (IGSR). These inorganic compounds are comprised of lead, barium, and antimony. IGSR compounds originate from the content of the primer, and each individual element is expelled during discharge, fused while molten, and land on nearby surfaces. Stubs with an adhesive coat are used to collect these particles by pressing against a surface suspected to have GSR particles. The current analytical method for detection and identification of IGSR, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), surveys GSR stubs for both the elemental composition as well as the morphology of the compounds. Positive identification requires both the elemental composition and spherical morphology of IGSR. Several issues exist with the nature of IGSR as well as the current method of analysis. Identification by SEM/EDS not only requires time for transportation and labor but may also produce false negatives due to inconsistent shape or lack of all three elements. The development of a rapid and robust analytical technique would address these deficiencies. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a standard analytical technique known for its specificity and accuracy. New advancements in research and technology have produced the ability to miniaturize MS while retaining its superior capabilities in identification. The characteristics of IGSR also pose issues in terms of validity, such as specificity to discharging a weapon, and ability to be transferred or wiped off. Qualities such as these can lead to both false negatives and false positives. In recent years, advances in forensic science research have studied the composition of organic gunshot residue (OGSR) as well as new methods for detecting these compounds. Research has pointed towards advantages in OGSR that would rectify the analytical issues seen in using IGSR as the target compound. Some qualities of OGSR that would improve GSR detection are its specificity to GSR, the molecular complexity of its components, its higher persistence on surfaces, and lower transferability. This study addressed both issues by employing the MX908 High Pressure Mass Spectrometer and developing an analytical method for major OGSR targets. The objective of this research was to test the MX908’s ability to ionize and detect Nitroglycerin (NG), Diphenylamine (DPA), Ethyl Centralite (EC), Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), and Nitroguanidine (NQ). Furthermore, these experiments tested a range of voltage parameters to achieve optimal fragmentation, and ultimately an accurate and specific analytical method.

Gunshot residue (GSR) is the term used to describe the particles originating from different parts of the firearm and ammunition during the discharge. A fast and practical field tool to detect the presence of GSR can assist law enforcement in the accurate identification of subjects. A novel field sampling device is presented for the first time for the fast detection and quantitation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The capillary microextraction of volatiles (CMV) is a headspace sampling technique that provides fast results (< 2 min. sampling time) and is reported as a versatile and high-efficiency sampling tool. The CMV device can be coupled to a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument by installation of a thermal separation probe in the injection port of the GC. An analytical method using the CMV device was developed for the detection of 17 compounds commonly found in polluted environments. The acceptability of the CMV as a field sampling method for the detection of VOCs is demonstrated by following the criteria established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compendium method TO-17. The CMV device was used, for the first time, for the detection of VOCs on swabs from the hands of shooters, and non-shooters and spent cartridges from different types of ammunition (i.e., pistol, rifle, and shotgun). The proposed method consists in the headspace extraction of VOCs in smokeless powders present in the propellant of ammunition. The sensitivity of this method was demonstrated with method detection limits (MDLs) 4-26 ng for diphenylamine (DPA), nitroglycerine (NG), 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT), and ethyl centralite (EC). In addition, a fast method was developed for the detection of the inorganic components (i.e., Ba, Pb, and Sb) characteristic of GSR presence by Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). Advantages of LIBS include fast analysis (~ 12 seconds per sample) and good sensitivity, with expected MDLs in the range of 0.1-20 ng for target elements. Statistical analysis of the results using both techniques was performed to determine any correlation between the variables analyzed. This work demonstrates that the information collected from the analysis of organic components has the potential to improve the detection of GSR.

This dissertation will focus on the extraction of volatile organic compounds associated with gunshot residue from articles of clothing, followed by analysis with mass spectrometry. During the discharge of a weapon, a cloud of volatile organic gunshot residue (OGSR) is dispersed around a firearm. This will create a high probability of transfer between the OGSR and the clothing of individuals who are near a discharged weapon. The first part of this dissertation will be the development of a method for removal of volatile OGSR from articles of clothing. Extraction of OGSR will be completed by solid phase microextraction (SPME), followed by separation and analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Many parameters will require optimization for proper extraction of OGSR from articles of clothing. Following development of a SPME procedure, figures of merit were determined such as linearity and limits of detection/quantification, obtaining levels of detection of 0.206 ng/cm2 on a 100 cm2 cotton cloth. Applications of this extraction method were investigated including the determination of the distance OGSR travels from a discharged weapon and the extraction of OGSR with different clothing materials by SPME. The second part of this dissertation will focus on the development of an on-line solvent extraction method for removal of OGSR from articles of clothing, followed by analysis with paper spray mass spectrometry. Issues using SPME of certain types of clothing materials required the development of an alternative method for removal of OGSR from articles of clothing. Use of an on-line solvent extraction technique of OGSR from articles of clothing followed by analysis with paper spray mass spectrometry allowed for detection of OGSR at comparable levels to a headspace SPME procedure. Use of paper spray with an ion trap mass spectrometer permitted the soft ionization of OGSR compounds followed by tandem mass spectrometry to obtain structural information. Extraction of OGSR from articles of clothing has potential to determine if an individual was present during the discharge of a firearm. Extraction of OGSR from articles of clothing will provide an alternative to traditional methods of gunshot residue analysis currently in use.

The capillary microextraction of volatiles (CMV) device was equipped with a novel Peltier cooler to investigate cryofocused extraction of organic gunshot residue (OGSR) for the first time. Prior research demonstrated the CMV’s capabilities for detecting nitroglycerin, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, diphenylamine, and ethyl centralite on shooters’ hands via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Further method development increased the recoveries of these four target compounds with an optimal 20-minute equilibrium time at 80˚C followed by extracting 3 L at a 1 L/min flow rate. The Cryo-CMV was evaluated for detection of semi-volatile OGSR compounds. The unique challenges presented with sampling of semi-volatiles were overcome by sample heating, applying high (>1 L/min) sampling flow rates and heating the transfer line between the container and cooled CMV. Cryofocusing at -10˚C provided increased recoveries for smokeless powders and OGSR compounds and therefore demonstrates excellent potential for other forensic applications with analysis of VOCs from fire debris and illicit drugs.

Improvised explosives may be based on smokeless gunpowder, fertilizers, or inorganic oxidizers such as nitrate (NO3-), chlorate (ClO3-), and perchlorate (ClO4-) salts. Identification is a priority for the military and law enforcement but due to their varying physical properties and complexity, identification can be challenging. Consequently, three methods have been developed to aid in presumptive and confirmatory detection. Smokeless powder contains plasticizers, stabilizers, dyes, opacifiers, flash suppressants, and other compounds. Identification of these additives can narrow down or identify the brands of smokeless powder used in a device. Fourteen organic smokeless powder components were identified by capillary electrochromatography (CEC) using a hexyl acrylate monolithic stationary phase coupled to UV detection and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS). The CEC-UV method efficiently detects all 14 organic components, while TOF-MS provides sensitivity and selectivity. A mixed smokeless powder component standard was analyzed and the composition of the additive package in commercial smokeless powders determined. Detection limits ranged from 1.0 – 3.2 μg/ml and analysis time was 18 minutes. Second, a procedure for the detection of urea nitrate (UN) and ammonium nitrate (AN) by infusion electrospray ionization - mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) was developed. Solubility tests were performed to find a solvent for both UN and AN that did not cause UN to dissociate. Two adduct ions were detected for each explosive: for AN, m/z 178 [2AN+NH4]+ and m/z 258 [3AN+NH4]+ ions, and for UN m/z 185 [UN+NO3]− and m/z 248 [UN+HNO3+NO3]−. Specificity of the analysis was examined by mixing the explosives with various salts and interferents. Gas-phase adduct ions were useful in distinguishing between ion pairs and mixed salts. Finally, a paper microfluidic device (PMD) was developed as a presumptive test using colorimetric reagents for the detection of ions associated with improvised explosives. The device was configured to test for nitrate (NO3-), nitrite (NO2-), chlorate (ClO3-), perchlorate (ClO4-), and urea nitrate (UN). Proof of concept was performed using extracts of soil containing inorganic oxidizers. The development of these analytical methods allows the detection of smokeless powder components, fertilizers, and oxidizers and expands the suite of analytical methods available for the analysis of improvised explosives.

Submitted by Irene Nascimento (irene.kessia@ufpe.br) on 2017-03-24T17:20:10Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Tese MAML BIBLIOTECA.pdf: 9163873 bytes, checksum: a3dedf9afddd54463bad724f48c71013 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-03-24T17:20:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Tese MAML BIBLIOTECA.pdf: 9163873 bytes, checksum: a3dedf9afddd54463bad724f48c71013 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-07-26 / CAPES / Resíduos de tiro (GSR) são evidências físicas de grande valor forense em casos envolvendo o uso de armas de fogo. Mas apesar de sua importância, existe uma carência metodológica para a caracterização do GSR proveniente de munição ambiental (NTA). Adicionalmente, o tamanho micrométrico das partículas geradas torna sua detecção em uma cena de crime ou em um suspeito uma tarefa difícil, podendo originar falsos-negativos. Neste sentido, tem sido proposto o uso de materiais luminescentes para a marcação química e óptica de munições. O presente trabalho aborda o desenvolvimento de marcadores luminescentes baseados na rede metal-orgânica (MOF) [Ln(BTC)] (em que BTC = ácido trimésico), desde a sua síntese, aplicação e avaliação da toxicidade, assim como seu uso na codificação de munição e sua caracterização junto aos resíduos orgânicos de disparo (OGSR). Por isto, este trabalho é dividido em cinco capítulos. No primeiro são discutidos aspectos relativos à síntese da MOF [Eu(BTC)] e à sua influência nas propriedades estruturais, térmicas e espectroscópicas dessa rede. Para tal, os métodos de síntese hidrotermal convencional e hidrotermal assistido por micro-ondas (MW), com diferentes tempos de síntese e proporções metal:ligante, são analisados. Com os métodos adotados, a MOF [Eu(BTC)] foi obtida com elevada cristalinidade, estabilidade térmica e luminescência. Adicionalmente, sínteses mais curtas e proporção metal:ligante 1:1 produziram redes com maior pureza de fase. Neste caso, o método assistido por micro-ondas se destacou devido ao rápido tempo de síntese. No segundo capítulo é apresentada a eficiência dessa MOF como marcador luminescente de munições. Com esta rede, além da detecção visual dos resíduos luminescentes (LGSR), técnicas como espectroscopia de emissão e microscopia eletrônica de varredura acoplada a espectroscopia por dispersão de energia (MEV/EDS) foram usadas para caracterizar e confirmar a presença do LGSR nos resíduos coletados, tanto da arma como das mãos do atirador. No terceiro capítulo são apresentados os dados relativos à avaliação da toxicidade oral aguda e subaguda da MOF [Eu(BTC)] em ratos. Para avaliação da toxicidade aguda, o protocolo 423 da OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) foi utilizado. Como resultado, nenhum sinal de toxicidade foi observado até mesmo para a dosagem mais elevada, e a dose letal média (DL50) foi estimada em 5000 mg/kg. Com isto, a MOF [Eu(BTC)] foi classificada na categoria menos tóxica do GHS (Globally Harmonized System). A toxicidade subaguda foi avaliada através da administração por 7 dias consecutivos de 300 mg/kg e, apesar de observados sinais graves de toxicidade, estes foram atribuídos à aspiração do material particulado para o pulmão, e não a toxicidade do marcador. Estes resultados atribuem a MOF [Eu(BTC)] uma elevada margem de segurança para aplicação como marcador de GSR. No quarto capítulo é proposto um método de codificação de munição baseado no uso de marcadores co-dopados [Y1-xLnx(BTC)] com os íons Eu3+, Sm3+, Tb3+ e/ou Yb3+. Após a realização de disparos, o marcador utilizado em cada munição foi identificado por MEV/EDS em função da composição química dos resíduos em 100% dos casos (sem que o analista tivesse conhecimento do marcador presente em cada munição). Além disso, foi possível estabelecer correlações atirador-arma-local do disparo através da composição dos resíduos em 89% dos casos. E no último capítulo é abordada a caracterização simultânea dos resíduos orgânicos e luminescentes por meio da microscopia Raman. Com a metodologia proposta, através de uma única medida foi possível determinar o tipo de marcador e pólvora utilizados, fornecendo um código muito seguro para caracterização e classificação inequívoca dos resíduos como provenientes de disparo de arma de fogo. Além disso, o LGSR atuou como sonda luminescente ajudando a coletar o OGSR em distâncias acima daquelas normalmente abordadas na literatura. / Gunshot residue (GSR) are physical evidences of great forensic value in firearms-related crimes. Despite its importance, there is a methodologic need for the characterization of GSR from non-toxic ammunition (NTA). In addition, the micrometric size of the generated particles makes its detection in a crime scene or on a suspect a hard task, which may produce false-negatives. In this sense, the use of luminescent materials has been proposed for chemical and optical marking of ammunition. This work presents the development of luminescent markers based on the metal-organic framework (MOF) [Ln(BTC)], since its synthesis, application and toxicity evaluation, as well as its ability to encode ammunitions and its simultaneous characterization with the organic gunshot residue (OGSR). Hence, this work is divided in five chapters. In the first chapter, aspects related to the synthesis of the MOF [Eu(BTC)] and its influence on the structural, thermal and spectroscopic properties are discussed. To this end, conventional hydrothermal synthesis and microwave(MW)-assisted hydrothermal synthesis, with different reaction times and metal:ligand proportions are analyzed. With the chosen methods, the MOF [Eu(BTC)] was obtained with high crystallinity, thermal stability and luminescence. However, faster synthesis and 1:1 metal:ligand proportion produced frameworks with higher phase purity. In this case, the MW-assisted method stood out due to the faster reaction time. In the second chapter, the efficiency of the MOF [Eu(BTC)] as a luminescent marker for ammunition is presented. With this framework, besides visual detection of the luminescent residues (LGSR), techniques as emission spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (MEV/EDS) were used to characterize and confirm the presence of LGSR in the residues collected, both on the gun and in the shooter’s hand. In the third chapter, data related to the evaluation of acute and subacute oral toxicity of the MOF [Eu(BTC)] in rats is presented. For evaluation of acute oral toxicity, the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) 423 guideline was used. As a result, no signs of toxicity was observed even at the highest dose, and the median lethal dose (LD50) estimated was 5000 mg/Kg. There by, the MOF [Eu(BTC)] was classified in the less toxic category of GHS (Globally Harmonized System). The subacute toxicity was evaluated by consecutive administration of 300 mg/Kg for 7 days and, despite severe toxicity signs were observed, they were attributed to the aspiration of the particulate material into the lungs, but not to the marker’s toxicity. These results give a high safety margin for application of this MOF as a GSR marker. In the fourth chapter an ammunition encoding method is proposed based on the use of the co-doped markers [Y1-xLnx(BTC)] with the ions Eu3+, Sm3+, Tb3+ and/or Yb3+. After shots, the markers used in each ammunition was identified by SEM/EDS due the chemical composition of the residues, in 100% of the cases (without the analyst’s knowledge of which marker was present in each ammunition). Furthermore, shooter-weapon-location correlations was established by the composition of the residues in 89% of the cases. And in the last chapter the simultaneously characterization of the organic and luminescent residues was performed by Raman microscopy. With the proposed methodology, the type of marker and gunpowder used were identified by a single run, providing a security code for its characterization and the unequivocal classification of the residues as coming from firearm discharge. Furthermore, the LGSR acted as a luminescent probe, helping to collect the OGSR further than those reported in the literature.

The goal of this project was to develop a rapid separation and detection method for analyzing organic compounds in smokeless powders and then test its applicability on gunshot residue (GSR) samples. In this project, a total of 20 common smokeless powder additives and their decomposition products were separated by ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) using multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM). Some of the targeted compounds included diphenylamines, centralites, nitrotoluenes, nitroglycerin, and various phthalates. The compounds were ionized in the MS source using simultaneous positive and negative electrospray ionization (ESI) with negative atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) in order to detect all compounds in a single analysis. The developed UPLC/MS/MS method was applied to commercially available smokeless powders and gunshot residue samples recovered from the hands of shooters, spent cartridges, and smokeless powder retrieved from unfired cartridges. Distinct compositions were identified for smokeless powders from different manufacturers and from separate manufacturing lots. The procedure also produced specific chemical profiles when tested on gunshot residues from different manufacturers. Overall, this thesis represents the development of a rapid and reproducible procedure capable of simultaneously detecting the widest possible range of components present in organic gunshot residue.