NIR Spectroscopy with Application of Chemometric Algorithms in Forensic Wood Analysis

Abstract

The article addresses practical aspects of applying the spectroscopy in the near infrared region method when conducting forensic examinations of wood. Based on the obtained results, it has been concluded that the NIR spectra can be used as an informative indicator to determine the species of woody plants, as well as to track the origin of timber and to detect the facts of illegal logging. The authors demonstrate the possibility of interpreting the obtained spectral data using formal independent class analogy modeling and discriminant analysis of projections onto latent structures. They have also built stable workable classification models to differentiate Dipteryx odorata (Cumaru) and Dipteryx panamensis (Cumarurana), as well as common hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) of various geographical origin.