Examination of Firearms Review: 2007 to 2010 - Interpol

Bausinger [45]. Borowsky [46] looks at development of an electroosmotic pump for
development of LC on a microchip moving forward to the goal of lab-on-a-chip
technology for explosives detection. In order to further the selectivity of detection
systems for use with LC, Fedorowski reviews post-column photochemical reaction
systems [47] coupled with electrochemical detection. Gaurav [48] examines a SPME
followed by LC-UV analysis for explosives in aqueous samples.
5.2 Ion Chromatography
The technique of Ion Chromatography has received an upgraded role in forensic postblast
analysis with the addition of a more specific detector, the mass spectrometer.
The following two articles utilized conductivity detection but the separation techniques
prove valuable. Johns [50] offers a system that identifies 18 anions and 12 cations of
interest for post-blast analysis. Additionally the utility of the technique was tested with
the actual post-blast analysis of witness plate materials and soil. The results were
confirmed using capillary electrophoresis. Meng [49] tests five inorganic anions and
three cations in a single chromatographic run using a non-suppressed ion
chromatographic technique. Lang and Boyle [51] apply IC-MS to identify black powder
substitutes.
5.3 Capillary Electrophoresis
Tagliaro[54] offers a review article on recent advances in the application of CE to
Forensic Science with a section specifically devoted to explosives. Other articles by
Piccin [52], Pumera [53][55] examine electrophoresis applied on a microchip for
explosives detection. Hutchinson [56] uses a portable CE to examine post-blast
inorganic anions and cations. Indirect photometric detection was accomplished by
utilizing a miniature LED detector. Fifteen anions and 12 cations of interest in
explosives analysis were separated and detected.
5.4 Gas Chromatography
GC continues to play a role in the separation of explosive compounds from various
matrices prior to detection by a variety of means. Li [57] offers a SPME technique
coupled with GC for determination of the DMNB tagging agent for plastic explosives.
Burleson [58] examines gunpowder residue by using SPME extraction and GC coupled
with a nitrogen-phosphorous detector. Nitroaromatic compounds and their Kovats
Retention Indices are examined in Caulfield [59]. A novel capillary column coating is
offered by Harvey [60] for selective retention of explosives related compounds.
5.5 Mass Spectroscopy
The variety of mass spectrometric techniques has blossomed in recent years.
Options are numerous in the selection of type of mass detector and the initial means
for fragmenting the molecule of interest. Bečanová [61] examined TNT and the
degradation of TNT with LC-electrospray ionization MS. Nitroaromatic explosive
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