Application of atomic fluorescence spectrometry to firearm discharge residues and trace elemental analysis of bullet leads

Flameless Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry using electrodeless discharge lamps (EDL) has been applied to two areas of interest in forensic science: firearm discharge residues and trace elemental analysis of bullet leads. Evaluations were made on the basis of (1) whether the required resonance line source - EDL - could be made, (2) whether a multielement line source could be prepared for use in a rapid sequential elemental determination of the respective elements, and (3) to compare the results with neutron activation analysis data. The results showed that this technique was not adequately sensitive for detecting Ba and Sb from firearm discharge residues, but that this technique was sensitive enough to determine levels of Sb in bullet leads. Comparison showed that these data were virtually identical to that obtained by neutron activation analysis, and that the two major manufacturers of .22 caliber ammunition had not changed the Sb content of their formulations over the last six years.