Abstract
The potential of forensic expertise in the analysis of soil samples has been recognized for a century now, but over the last 20 years, these types of evidence have been much more widely used both as an investigative tool and as evidence in court. Forensic Chemistry is at the crossroads of science with the law, being a discipline apart from its applicability to the judiciary. Samples are obtained from various objects and often contain only very small amounts of chemicals. Most of the time, the sample harvested on the spot is no longer sampled, but it is actually the sample to be analyzed. This is also the condition of aggregation of the sample, the homogeneity of the sample/matrix or the compounds sought. Sometimes, however, even the evidence can be considered chemically homogeneous, and then representative samples (paints, textiles, plastics, etc.) can be sampled. The rest of the materials are heterogeneous (soil, building materials, fire residues, etc.). The extremely rapid evolution of science in recent years has resulted in the development of new, powerful and performing technologies. This evolution and the refinement of analytical tools make it possible at present to perform forensic investigations at the smallest scale of dimensions, with greater sensitivity and with great differentiation intervals. At the same time it is possible to discover unpredictable or previously inaccessible samples.
Highlights
Soil is a part of the upper layer of the Earth's crust, consisting of a complex mixture of minerals, decomposing organisms, water and air, and a variety of chemical, mineralogical, biological and physical properties
Pedology is the science that deals with the study of the control and improvement of soil properties
Pedology investigates the correlation between the laws underlying the formation, evolution, geographical distribution, classification and soil fertility (Seceleanu 2008, 4-10)
Summary
Soil is a part of the upper layer of the Earth's crust, consisting of a complex mixture of minerals, decomposing organisms, water and air, and a variety of chemical, mineralogical, biological and physical properties. Morphological soil interpretation provides a quick, non-destructive visual approach to examine and distinguish between several types of soil samples in criminological expertise. Forensic experts can often estimate to a certain extent the composition of soils by visual and physical examination They can determine the content of organic substances in soil material, iron content, saturation degree, can determine if it is sand/mud/clay, components that can be determined due to colour and texture. Other sensory indices, including the overall horizon structure, vegetation and topography, can be determined and information about the probable composition of a soil can be provided This produces promising results, it is usually still based on sample preparation, transport and laboratory analysis (Aitkenhead et al 2012, 108). In the criminological investigation of a wide variety of cases, the chemist expert has an important role to play by examining and analysing the evidence available, able to produce pertinent conclusions demonstrating the power of science in completing the idea of justice, creating maximum opportunities for a fair and equitable solution of all judicial cases (Stoian and Galan, 111)
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