Negative result: Application of Raman spectroscopy to the forensic analysis of an arid, sandy, soil

Previous studies have demonstrated the utility of Raman spectroscopy for forensic discrimination of soils after appropriate sample preparation to negate the effects of fluorescence. In this study, the application of Raman spectroscopy for the examination of the quartz-recovered fine fraction of arid, sandy soils is presented for the first time. The initial recovery of the quartz fine fraction is detailed, as well as its analysis using a Raman spectrometer. The aim was to explore whether the technique would allow for the initial screening of samples, with the goal to further extend the technique to allow for in-situ analysis of the coatings on the quartz grains. Despite investigation of a variety of experimental conditions and different approaches to data correction, Raman analysis of the quartz-recovered fine fraction of sandy soils showed high levels of fluorescence, which masked all potential characterisation data captured within the spectra.