Forensic Instrumental Analysis of Post-Blast Inorganic Residues in Soils

This work focuses on the trace analysis of nitrate ion (NO3¯) content in post-blast explosion debris from pit soil samples and its control soil sample using Ion Chromatography (IC), an essential technique for inorganic explosives ion detection and confirmation. Blast simulations of pyrotechnics were conducted under a controlled environment in an agricultural land at Talegaon, Pune, India and a residential area at Nigadi, Pune, India. Explosion debris along with Pit Soil were collected from the pit of both sites. The control soil samples were collected from distance of 5 meters away from the explosion pits. A sensitive ion chromatographic method was used to detect the presence of nitrate ions in explosion debris and the control soil samples. The results provide insights into the interference caused by the common ions present both in explosion debris and the control soils. This study throws light on importance of testing of a control sample. The present study guides the forensic analyst in making correct interpretation of results based on comparative study of levels of nitrate ions in exhibits and its control.