Forensic Medicine · Trace Evidence and Crime Scene Reconstruction (Hair, Fibre, Glass, Paint, GSR)

Gunshot residue (GSR) particles are characterised by the presence of which elemental triad detected by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX)?

A Iron, nickel, chromium
B Lead, barium, antimony ✓
C Copper, zinc, tin
D Aluminium, silicon, magnesium

Correct answer: B. Lead, barium, antimony

Explanation

Classic GSR particles originate from primer composition (lead styphnate, barium nitrate, antimony sulphide) and are characterised by the elemental triad: lead (Pb), barium (Ba), and antimony (Sb). Detection by SEM-EDX provides both morphological (spheroidal shape from molten droplet solidification) and elemental confirmation. Lead-free/heavy-metal-free ammunition produces different elemental signatures (e.g., Sn-Ba or Ba-only particles), which modern forensic labs must account for. Iron-nickel-chromium is characteristic of stainless steel particles; copper-zinc-tin is from brass.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.

Gunshot residue (GSR) particles are characterised by the presence of which elemental triad detected by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX)?

Explanation

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