Enhanced Sensitivity in Analysis of Arson Residues: An Adsorption-Tube/Gas Chromatograph Method

Abstract

Abstract The headspace of samples taken from fire scenes were passed through a tube packed with active charcoal granules. Desorption of the compounds by either pyrolysis or carbon disulfide (CS2) and subsequent analysis by gas chromatography showed enhanced sensitivity over the headspace method. Both methods were evaluated for the analysis of gasoline, kerosene, and diesel oil. Interference caused by the presence of water was eliminated by the use of 0.4-nm molecular sieve. Case study of samples was followed by both headspace and adsorption tube methods, the latter has been found to be of a higher sensitivity.