Problems of Forensic Sciences 1998 Vol. 38 (XXXVIII) 14-25

APPLICATION OF GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY TO THE IDENTIFICATION PETROLEUM PRODUCTS IN FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS

Zofia CHŁOBOWSKA, Ewa CHUDZIKIEWICZ, Czesława ŚWIEGODA
Institute of Forensic Research, Cracow

Streszczenie
This paper describes research methods for the detection and identification of petroleum products in materials remaining after fires and in contaminated waters. The investigations were performed using a Fisons series 8000 gas chromatograph equipped with an FID detector and a DB-1 capillary column in which temperature was programmed in the range of 40 - 220°C. Chromatographic analysis of readily available petroleum products was carried out in established conditions, and the obtained data were used to set up a data base of chromatograms. This data base facilitated subsequent identification of these kinds of compounds, (which are isolated from materials delivered as evidence to the Institute of Forensic Research). The described method allows us to achieve positive identification results in cases where materials for investigation are properly collected and secured and where the composition of initial products has not been subject to considerable quantitative and qualitative changes due to ventilation or the influence of high temperature.

Słowa kluczowe
Petroleum products; Gas Chromatography; Extraction; Headspace phase.