Abstract
Analyzing DNA from brass surfaces poses unique challenges that may result from DNA damage and/or PCR inhibition. To examine the relationship between the metal ions present in brass ammunition and the success of Short Tandem Repeat (STR) profiling, six recovery methods were tested to determine the identity and quantity of metal ions co-recovered during DNA sampling. In addition, DNA and metal ion solutions were created at varying concentrations to determine the threshold at which deleterious effects occur. The results of this study show that copper and zinc are recovered in the highest concentrations from both fired and unfired ammunition, but at substantially lower levels than previously published. Furthermore, most metal ions co-recovered with DNA were removed during DNA purification and complete STR profiles were generated when the concentrations of copper and zinc ions were less than 0.1 M and 0.03 M, respectively.
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