Significance of Elemental Analysis from Trace Evidence

The proposal aims to improve the scientific validity of the information resulting from applying elemental analysis methods in the examination of trace evidence materials. The first part of the proposal will coordinate a series of round-robin exercises involving a group of experienced examiners from several established operational laboratories to demonstrate that the quality of the chemical information derived from a variety of analytical methods is extremely good, regardless of the method used. The second part of the project will aim to utilize the collective experience and knowledge base within the trace evidence community to address the gaps in understanding of the significance of trace elemental profile matches, when they are found.

ca/ncf