Abstract
A new analytical procedure consisting of special washing step, irradiation in a thermal neutron flux of ∼1014n·cm−2·sec−1, and Ge(Li) spectrometry enabled to determine as many as 14 elements in a 3 cm segment of a single human hair by neutron activation analysis (NAA). The criminalistic aspects of hair analysis were studied using a new statistical criterion for elimination/identification and an appropriate computer program was constructed. Hair dimensions as measured microscopically were used as additional individualizing attributes. It was shown that despite the difficulties orginating from a relatively large intrinsic variation of the trace element concentration over one head, elimination of most or nearly all of the “suspects” could be achieved in simulated cases. Distincly elevated level of Au as well as Cu and Ag were found in hair of some groups of persons working under specific conditions thus confirming the importance of the environmental factor related to some kinds of occupation.
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Dybczyński, R., Boboli, K. Forensic and environmental aspects of neutron activation analysis of single human hairs. J. Radioanal. Chem. 31, 267–289 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02516482
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02516482