Rapid quantitative colourimetric tests for trinitrotoluene (TNT) in soil

Aree Choodum (Lead / Corresponding author), Proespichaya Kanatharana, Worawit Wongniramaikul, Niamh NicDaeid (Lead / Corresponding author)

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

48 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A rapid quantitative colourimetric test was developed for the determination of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) in soil. Quantification was achieved using an innovative application of photography where the relationship between the Red Green Blue (RGB) value and concentration of colorimetric product was exploited. The wide linear range (1-50. mg/L) and low detection limit (0.73 ± 0.01. mg/L to 3.5 ± 0.4. mg/L) achieved was comparable with spectrophotometric quantification methods. Quantification was validated both with known concentration standards and spiked soil extracts confirming the accuracy of the technique. The results demonstrate a powerful technique with the capacity for development as a rapid on site field test for the analysis of explosives.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)340-345
Number of pages6
JournalForensic Science International
Volume222
Issue number1-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Oct 2012

Keywords

  • Digital images
  • RGB colour system
  • Nessler's test
  • 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene

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