Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

The intention of this paper was to review and discuss the some of the quantitative analytical methods used in forensic science for the analysis of trace evidences collected from the various scene incidents. The forensic scientists were depend upon the instrumental analysis of trace amounts of materials like drugs, toxicological specimens, fibers, glass, GSR, soil, etc. Differences in manufacture of chemical composition are observed and that allows considerable discrimination even with very small traces of fragments. Most on GSR, GSR analysis sometimes becomes very important to right direction of inquiry, from where the GSR is obtained and from which surfaces the GSR has produced, played an important aspect of investigations. Reviews on these techniques, which are used more extensively in forensic sciences, were reported through this paper. Based on the analytical problem facing forensic scientists, our study will summarize and use these techniques to tackle them such as chromatography, Raman spectroscopy, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) techniques.

The acceptance of remedies in any system of medicine depends upon their efficacy and non-toxicity. There were many reports of rejecting Indian herbal products in various countries because of higher levels of heavy metal content than permitted. Though few are regarded as essential, some heavy metals, especially cadmium, mercury and lead, are potentially hazardous due to their intrinsic or selective toxicity, particularly in environmental contexts. In view of the importance of herbal drug standardization, it was contemplated to carry out the heavy metal determination in papaya fruits(Carica papaya), grapes (Vitisvinifera) and Beta vulgaris (beet root) which were procured from local market. The metals like copper, iron, magnesium nickel, sodium, potassium, lead, chromium, zinc etc were estimated  in the hydroalcoholic extracts by using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy(AAS). Measurements were made using a hollow Electron Discharge Lamp (EDL).  These extracts were also subjected to general phytochemical screening. Its an alarming bell for humankind if the heavy metal content is more than permitted in common edible commodities. Further study may require understanding the factors influencing the heavy metal content in commonly used fruits and vegetables. Key words: Carica papaya, Vitisvinifera , Beta vulgaris, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, hollow Electron Discharge Lamp