The development of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for use in the provenance establishment of lead projectiles in forensic science

The chemical analysis of bullet and shotgun pellet lead (CABL) can provide invaluable information to investigators when traditional projectile identification analyses cannot be undertaken. The current research describes the development and application of a new and more sophisticated laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric (LA-ICP-MS) based technique for the provenance establishment of these materials. The fundamental principles of CABL are explored through detailed manufacturing investigations and boxed ammunition studies. The novel analytical and interpretational methodologies developed are successfully applied in a series of shooting trials, and demonstrate a robust method for provenancing bullet lead samples in forensic investigations.