Hydrogen isotope: An ideal tracer for forensic examination

Ritu Mishra; Ekampreet Kaur; Domingos Vita; Prachi Avinash; Bikramjit Singh; Ajit Pal Singh; Jaskaran Singh

doi:10.53730/ijhs.v6nS5.9385

Authors

Ritu Mishra Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Pathology and microbiology, New Horizon Dental College, Sakri, Bilaspur, Chattisgarh
Ekampreet Kaur Intern, State Forensic Science Laboratory, DNA unit, Mohali, India
Domingos Vita Instituto Superior Politécnico de Tecnologias e Ciências ( ISPTEC- Angola). University Autónomo of Barcelona (UAB)
Prachi Avinash Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, University Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India
Bikramjit Singh Department of Chemistry, Lajpat Rai DAV College, Jagraon, Ludhiana-142026
Ajit Pal Singh Assistant Professor, School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida
Jaskaran Singh
jaskaransingh630@gmail.com
Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Sciences, University Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India

Keywords:

Stable isotope analysis, hydrogen isotopes, Forensics, geolocation

Abstract

Stable isotope analysis is a valuable tool in forensic investigation. Recently, isotopic investigation is in great trend, Forensic discipline is making use of multi-purpose isotopic profiles along with isotopic landscapes or isoscapes from body tissues. These isotopes help in predicting the geographical location or origin of the unidentified body. Isotope analysis is a commendable and powerful tool for geolocation and can provide investigative leads to the investigating officer as well as forensic experts. This review article basically focuses on the hydrogen isotopes and their applications in forensic science. Being a bio-element, it is ubiquitous and has immense biological and chemical significance. We have discussed the role of hydrogen isotopes in different disciplines of forensic science such as forensic biology, wildlife forensics, forensic anthropology, forensic chemistry and toxicology etc. and the newer advancements that are employed in this discipline for making the analysis more accurate and robust. This field is still in its growing stage and hence, with more advancements, it will provide a great aid in forensic investigation.

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