ABSTRACT
Development of a Method for Organic Firearm Discharge Residue Detection The requirements of a method for detecting organic FDR were that it would not be detrimental to the existing particle analysis method, that the results would be meaningful, and that it should integrate into the two individual existing systems for the detection of explosive and firearm residue, thereby creating a system which could, if desired, routinely analyze all samples for organic explosives and organic and inorganic FDR. Because a large proportion of our casework involves the use of ammunition with single-based propellants, it was desirable to investigate the possibility of using GC/MS to detect constituents of propellant that are not detectable using our existing explosive residue analysis system. Such constituents include DPA, MC, EC, camphor, and phthalates. Because these constituents are originally present in relatively small amounts (typically 0.5% to 2.0%), compared to the level of NG in double-based propellants, it would be necessary to optimize all aspects of the system, namely, the extraction and cleanup/concentration procedures in addition to the instrumental parameters.
