Soil Analysis from Crime-Prone Areas of Sultanpur City for Forensic Aspect: A Research

Authors

  • Shivani Singh
  • Lav Kesharwani

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v17i4.19954

Keywords:

Soil, Physico-Chemical Properties, Heavy Metal, Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), Forensic Science

Abstract

The soil is a crucial resource in many criminal trials and the same has received a recent research approach in
recent years, with numerous groups researching with objectives that allow for improved differentiation of soil
profiles. This investigation was conducted in 2022-2023 with the objective of assessment of soil characterization
from several areas in Sultanpur City, Uttar Pradesh. The primary goal of this study was to conduct a quantitative
analysis of the samples using physical, chemical, microscopic and instrumental examination techniques. The soil
samples were collected from a depth of 0-15 cm and after analysing the samples, it was found that the colour of the
soil varies according to its composition. Soil features like texture, stickiness, plasticity, density, pH, and percentage
of soluble sulphate were examined using different physical and chemical tests. Soil texture was classified under
the sandy clay loam category and stickiness and plasticity were measured to be less, medium or more. The soil
density ranged from 1.794 g/cm3 to 2.479 g/cm3. The pH of the soil samples was overall acidic, ranging from
6.27 - 7.77. The percentage of soluble sulphate in soil varied from 0.11184 - 0.0864.A stereo microscope was used to
observe the granular and prismatic structures of soil samples. Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) was used
for quantitative analysis of soil samples to measure the amount of trace elements present in the soil. The study
results showed that each soil sample varied from another and the parameters used for soil profiling helped in the
differentiation of these soil samples. The results from this study can be helpful in preparing soil which can further
assist the forensic scientists in their investigations related to soil as evidence.

Author Biographies

  • Shivani Singh

    Student of M.Sc. Forensic Science, SHUATS, Allahabad, U.P.,

  • Lav Kesharwani

    Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Science, Allahabad, U.P. Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences ,SHUATS, Prayagraj, U.P, India.

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Published

2023-10-16

How to Cite

Soil Analysis from Crime-Prone Areas of Sultanpur City for Forensic Aspect: A Research. (2023). Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 17(4), 114-118. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v17i4.19954