Optimizing Forensic Detection of Explosive Substances: Extended Column Analysis of TNT

Abstract: Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a secondary high explosive substance which is found in many explosive compositions. It is used for military and industrial purposes; however, it is also misused for illegal and terrorist activities. Forensic analysis for detection of TNT in pre and post blast explosion samples is important for identifying the antisocial elements and tracking the source of their illegal activities. Traditional Gas Chromatography mass spectrometer instruments use short column having length of 15-meter for analysis of explosive substances due to their thermolabile nature. Our work presents multiple methods using longer column of 30-meter length for analysis of TNT. The same instrument can be used for multiple applications thus precluding the need of changing the GC column every time for analysis work of different types of the samples leading cost effective of the organisation.