AFTE Store - Firearms Discharge Residue Detection Using Flameless Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

The determination of lead, antimony, barium and mercury by Flameless Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry is a method that has been used by this Laboratory for a seven year period. The detection of these elements within a certain concentration range was used to infer involvement with firearms. The complete system including sample collection, sample preparation, analytical technique and interpretation of results is described. Experience gained and problems encountered during this period are discussed.