Every Contact Leaves a Trace: Forensic Analysis of Hair, Fibers, Paint, Glass, and Soil
Keywords:
Trace evidence, Locard's Exchange Principle, Hair and fiber analysis, Paint, glass, and soil evidence, Forensic analytical techniquesAbstract
Trace evidence is an essential part of forensic science as it provides associations between suspects, victims, objects and crime scenes through the transfer of minute materials. The study of hair, fibers, paint, glass, and soil can yield clues that help in reconstructing the scene of a crime and making investigative decisions, according to the principles of Locard's Exchange Principle. The main categories of trace evidence are discussed, as well as their forensic importance, in addition to how it can be collected, preserved, and analyzed, including the use of microscopy, FTIR, Raman, SEM-EDS, XRF, XRD, ICP-MS and DNA. It also examines the forensic applications, interpretation challenges associated with transfer, persistence, and contamination, as well as quality assurance practices. Finally, recent developments using chemometrics, hyperspectral imaging, laser ablation ICP-MS, artificial intelligence and machine learning are discussed, highlighting their potential to enhance the accuracy, reliability and scientific value of trace evidence in contemporary criminal investigations.
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