U.S. flag
      An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.
        Here's how you know
      Here's how you know**Official websites use .gov**
            
            A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
      **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
            
            A **lock** (
            A locked padlock
            ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Menu

      
        close

            
            
                                              About NIJ
        
                    
  
          About NIJ
      
    
          The NIJ Director
          How NIJ Is Organized
          Mission and Guiding Principles
          Research and Development Process
          Strategic Framework
          Assessments of NIJ
          Annual Reports & Reports to Congress
          Staff Directory
          Funding & Awards
        
                    
  
          Funding & Awards
      
    
          Current Funding
          Forthcoming Funding
          Expired Funding
          Awards: Listing of Funded Projects
          Guidance for Applicants and Awardees
          Fellowship & Student Programs
          Travel Scholarships
          NIJ Challenge Program
          Library & Multimedia
        
                    
  
          Library & Multimedia
      
    
          NIJ Journal
          Podcasts
          Publications Listing
          Multimedia Listing
          Rated Practices on CrimeSolutions
          Rated Programs on CrimeSolutions
          Software & Databases
          Datasets
          Patents
          Topics
        
                    
  
          Topics
      
    
          Article Listing
          Corrections
          Courts
          Crime Prevention
          Crimes
          Drugs and Crime
          Equipment and Technology
          Forensic Sciences
          Youth Justice
          Justice System Reform
          Law Enforcement
          Tribal Crime and Justice
          Victims of Crime
          Events
        
                    
  
          Events
      
    
          NIJ 2024 Research Conference
          Scheduled Events
          On-Demand Events
          Research Meetings & Workshops
          NIJ-Hosted Online Training

                            
                                About
          Contact Us
          Subscribe
          Topics A-Z
                  Share
FacebookXLinkedInRedditPinterestEmail Home
                            Library & Multimedia
 Rapid Screening and Confirmation of Organic GSR using Electrospray Mass Spectrometry
NCJ Number
              244229

Author(s)
          Bruce McCord, Ph.D.;
                        Jennifer Greaux Thomas, B.S.
Date Published

December 2013
Length
              125 pages
Annotation
              This project developed a rapid separation and detection method for identifying additives in common smokeless powder - which can be used as the explosive component in pipe bombs and the propellant in modern ammunition - along with their decomposition products, using ultra performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.
Abstract
              These additives and their decomposition products are generally described as gunshot residue (GSR). Because each manufacturer changes the composition of the propellant powder so that it performs in a specific manner, it is possible to use variances in composition in order to differentiate between brands and possibly lots of the same powder. Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS) was used to analyze the smokeless powders and organic gunshot residue. UPLC was chosen because it can accommodate higher backpressures and smaller particle column than HPLC. It also enables users to perform a more efficient and rapid separation. MS/MS was used, along with ESCI, in order to detect the wide array of compounds found in smokeless powder. Results of a small-scale study showed that quantifiable differences are present in the additive profile of powders from different brands and lots of smokeless powder; however, a larger population of powders must be characterized in order to determine the probative nature of these differences. In the second phase of the study, gunshot residue samples were collected from the hands of a shooter and analyzed to test the method's applicability in firearm cases. The results found characteristic differences in the UV and MRM profiles based on the type of ammunition fired. These results show the potential of the technique for distinguishing class differences based on ammunition type in addition to the standard determination of GSR on the shooter's hands. Procedures for collection and analysis are described in detail. 47 figures, 25 references, and dissemination information
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        2009-DN-BX-K251


  
  
        
  Agencies
        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Research (Applied/Empirical)
                                Report (Study/Research)
                                Report (Grant Sponsored)


  
  
        
  Award
        Rapid Screening and Confirmation of Organic GSR using Electrospray Mass Spectrometry
    
  
  
Date Published: December 1, 2013
    
          Downloads
        
                      PDF

Side navigation
  

        

  
  
              NIJ Journal
    
      
            
            
            
      Podcasts
    
      
            
            
            
      Publications Listing
    
      
            
            
            
      Multimedia Listing
    
      
            
            
            
      Rated Practices on CrimeSolutions
    
      
            
            
            
      Rated Programs on CrimeSolutions
    
      
            
            
            
      Software & Databases
    
      
            
            
            
      Datasets
    
      
            
            
            
      PatentsRelated Topics
        
                Criminology
        Explosives
        Forensic laboratories
        Forensic sciences
        Gunshot residue



  
Similar Publications
        
                      What Medical Examiner’s And Coroner’s Offices Should Know About Molecular Autopsy
                  Technical Note – Analysis Of Marijuana And Marijuana Products
                  A combined molecular approach utilizing microbial DNA and microRNAs in a qPCR multiplex for the classification of five forensically relevant body fluids
 Top

      National Institute of Justice

        
        
                        About NIJ
                    About NIJ
      
    
                  How NIJ Is Organized
      
    
                  NIJ Director
      
    
                  Research Disclaimer
      
    
                  Funding & Awards
                    Funding & Awards Home
      
    
                  Awards Listing
      
    
                  Current Funding
      
    
                  Guidance for Applicants and Awardees
      
    
                  Resources
                    Events
      
    
                  Podcasts
      
    
                  Publications
      
    
                  Topics
      
    
                  Multimedia
      
    
                  Reuse Policy
      
    
                  Contacts
                    Contact NIJ
      
    
                  Staff Directory
      
    
                  Submit a FOIA Request
      
    
                  File a Civil Rights ComplaintFacebook
          
                      X
          
                      YouTube
  

      810 7th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20531
      
              Secondary Footer link menu
            Accessibility
              Plain Language
              Privacy Policy
              Legal Policies and Disclaimer
              No FEAR Act
              Freedom of Information Act
              USA.gov
              Justice.gov