EXPLORE SCIENCESNAPS
Using soil in criminal forensics
Digging for Evidence gives an introduction to how soil can be used as forensic evidence in criminal cases
| Presenter | Title (download) | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| Lorna Dawson | Digging for Evidence | |
How can soil be useful information?
Soils samples are analysed to provide investigators with details of the areas where particular plants, seed and pollen may be found and to identify particular minerals in bedrock. The analysis of soil is used mainly for the purpose of finding a certain place, usually a scene of crime.
What forensic clues can be gained form the environment?
The environment offers many clues that, during the course of a day, we often overlook or take for granted. The dust and dirt that accumulates on the bottom of our shoes, minerals, fibres and seeds provide important clues about the crime, as well as the suspect. These minute clues can often point to the criminal's hobbies, occupation, habits and movements and are often helpful in guiding an entire investigation.
How is the evidence collected?
Like the collection of most other 'trace evidence', dirt and dust from an inside crime scene are collected using tape or a forensic vacuum to lift the sample from its surroundings. Once taken to a forensic laboratory, a careful analysis of the dust and dirt samples can be conducted under controlled conditions. Large particles in the sample are extracted, making the overall sample analysis clearer. A complete soil analysis is rare because of time consumption, but may be necessary depending on the case involved. Outdoor sampling can be extensive and involve the collection of many samples at or near the Scene Of Crime.
Can dust also be useful in forensic investigations?
- yes, dust, is equally as helpful as soil samples, as dust is different in every house and is unique to every room of a house. Samples of dust located in the bathroom often contain cosmetics, and powder while samples found in the kitchen contain flour and spices. Animal hair, skin cells, dust mites and fibres form clothing and carpets also contain evidence unique to a certain house.
And
Eighty percent of all house dust consists of shed skin cells. Yes, no matter how much you might dust and polish, it will be back and it holds a record of what you have been up to and where!
To find out more about soil forensics and other related research, visit the following websites (ScienceSnaps is not responsible for the content of external websites):