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Study of Pyridyldiphenyl-Triazine as a Chemical Enhancement Technique for Soil and Dust Impressions

NCJ Number
231835
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 60 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2010 Pages: 532-546
Author(s)
Emily Ross; Michael Gorn
Date Published
September 2010
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study examined Ferrotrace, a formulation of pyridyldiphenyl-triazine (PDT), as a viable alternative to chemical enhancement of soil or dust footwear impressions.
Abstract
A formulation of pyridyldiphenyl-triazine (PDT) called Ferrotrace was proposed as an alternative to chemical enhancement techniques (i.e., ammonium thiocyanate) of soil or dust footwear impression evidence. The PDT in Ferrotrace reacts with ferrous iron and is used in the criminalistics field to detect firearm contact impressions on suspected shooters' hands. Ferrotrace was compared with ammonium thiocyanate using ferrous solutions and produced results that were sensitive. Soil samples were tested with Ferrotrace and ammonium thiocyanate, and the results were compared. The color reaction produced with ammonium thiocyanate was more distinguishable and reproducible, so Ferrotrace was not recommended as an alternative to ammonium thiocyanate. Figures, tables, references, and appendix (Published Abstract)