Forensic Soil Analysis by Particle Correlated Raman Spectroscopy (PCRS): Comparison to Traditional Methods

Particle correlated Raman spectroscopy (PCRS) is a powerful tool for the analysis of mixtures of discrete particles, such as the population of mineral grains in a soil sample. This is because PCRS combines image analysis and Raman spectroscopy to provide information regarding both morphological characteristics and chemical composition, thus furnishing comprehensive and distinguishing material insights. This presentation will focus on a comparison of the PCRS results of the mineral fractions with those obtained through traditional forensic soil analysis methods for 10 soil samples collected in the Northeast United States. Findings unveil both similarities and disparities between the PCRS results and those produced by traditional soil analytical techniques, which includes polarized light microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy. This research delves into the evaluation of an emerging technique for forensic soil analysis, hinting at the potential of PCRS not only in forensic contexts but also in diverse material examinations, including other geological, clinical, or industrial analyses.