Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/90996
Title: Arson investigation using the ion trap detector
Authors: Vella, Alfred J.
Keywords: Fire investigation
Forensic sciences
Arson investigation
Trapped ions
Issue Date: 1992
Publisher: Forensic Science Society
Citation: Vella, A. J. (1992). Arson investigation using the ion trap detector. Journal of the Forensic Science Society, 32(2), 131-142.
Abstract: A technique of fire debris analysis for traces of accelerant in investigations of suspected arson is described which uses a relatively inexpensive mass spectrometer of recent design. Thermal elution of the volatiles from the debris is followed by adsorption of the vapour onto a porous polymer using headspace sampling. A concentrated extract of the adsorbate is analysed on a capillary column gas chromatograph coupled to an ion trap detector which generates a total ion current chromatogram of the sample. The presence of accelerant in the adsorbate can readily be determined by inspection of a series of mass chromatograms, replotted from the total ion current chromatogram, and corresponding to ions of specific masses which are characteristic of the accelerant used. The mass chromatograms collectively define the accelerant profile. Such profiles can usually be distinguished from the accompanying background contributions even in samples having significant matrix interferences.
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/90996
Appears in Collections:Scholarly Works - FacSciChe

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