A technique for diagnostics of micro-inclusions in the objects of soil and geological origin: validation and practical application

Abstract

A method for diagnosing microinclusions in the objects of soil and geological origin is developed on the basis of the Atlas of microinclusions in soils (hereinafter referred to as the Atlas). The validation procedure and an example of the practical application of the developed technique are considered. A review of the content and structure of the Atlas, which contains 37 types of microinclusions is presented. Diagnosis of microinclusions is carried out using the Atlas key which is a sequence of identifying diagnostic features (transparency, shape, color, gloss, fracture, structure, as well as density, magnetic properties, hardness, brittleness) for different types of microinclusions. A scheme for determining the nature of a microinclusion (red brick) using the Atlas key is given as an example. The validation procedure of this method consists in experimental verification of the reliability of testing and evaluation of the reproducibility of test results under different conditions: when examining samples of various complexity by several performers at different times using different stereo microscopes. We used 17 soil samples that were previously (2 – 8 years ago) tested and stored as control samples in a laboratory collection of site-collected samples. One part of the samples was examined in usual forensic soil examinations, the other was studied in the framework of participation in the procedure of interlaboratory proficiency testing under the ENFSI (European Network of Forensic Science Institutions). Two experts performed independent studies of control samples at different times. It is shown that the composition of the complex of microinclusions (by type and number) in each of the studied samples coincides with the composition of the corresponding control sample. The experts performed 108 tests, and there were no erroneous results which indicates the reproducibility of the test results and the competence of the experts. An example of the practical application of the developed technique is given.