Stable Isotope Analysis of C,H,O and N in Finger Nails from Different Areas in China - Forensic Science & Medicine 

In recent years, stable isotope analysis has become an important method in forensic science. This method is used to investigate still unresolved criminal cases and to discover the geographic origin or place of residence of unidentifiable deceased people. In order to explore isotopic characteristics in human tissues from different areas in China, four isotope compositions (δ13C, δ15N, δD and δ18O) of fingernails from 24 individuals lived in two different cities, Xuanhan and Xianyang, the south and north of Qinling Mountains, were analyzed. The values of δ13C, δ15N, δDand δ18O in fingernails have significant difference between the two cities(p<0.05). From the figures of δ13C against δ15N, or δD against δ18O, it is easy to identify an individual is from Xuanhan or Xianyang. The δD and δ18O values of drinking water were also significantly correlated with those of fingernails (Pearson coefficient was 0.926), indicating that it is possible to deduce the δD and δ18O ratios of fingernails from those of drinking water. A larger database on multi-element isotope value of human tissue, such as fingernails, hair, bone, and so on, from different areas of China is being established. It will become a more powerful tool to answer the questions regarding the provenance of unidentified corpses, major geographic movement in the lifetime and dietary habits of an individual involved in murder case and be useful for exploring more information in various serious cases in the future.

 

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