The purpose of this project was to determine the effects that rain may have on the amount of gunshot residue found on a target at various distances. This project utilized ICP and X-ray fluorescence analyses. 100% cotton t-shirts were used as the targets and a .22 caliber rifle along with other firearms were used to generate the gunshot residue. A plastic bin with holes in the bottom was used as a rain apparatus. In addition to lead and barium, antimony is tested instead of copper and zinc, as these two elements were found at extremely low levels in prior studies in out group. The effects of a wet versus dry t-shirt were studied on the amount of gunshot residue. Also, the surface tension of the raindrops was studied as a possible factor preventing some of the residue from passing through the rain and onto the t-shirt.

Effects of rain on gunshot residue at different distances using/comparing inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence

245th National Meeting (2013)

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