AFTE Store - Modified Feigl Test for Lead

The Feigl Method for lead testing has been used in forensic science for many years. The test has been conducted at crime scenes and on objects submitted to the crime laboratory. The test consists of using sodium rhodizonate and a buffer made of sodium bitartrate and tartaric acid. Feigl stated in the original thesis that the test is made specific by the addition of 5% hydrochloric acid. This research project was conducted with the hypothesis that the buffer and the 5% HCl steps are not needed to conduct a specific spot test for lead. Experimentation of four (4) different methods for the detection of lead, using sixty-six (66) chemical elements, supported the hypothesis.