Trace Elements Analysis in Paper Using Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (ICP - MS)

The forensic examination and dating of documents is important in our society, because documents are used throughout our lives to record everything we do. The analysis of questioned documents therefore involves different types of analysis including comparison of the handwriting, ink, typescript or print, as well as physical and chemical characterization of the paper itself. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has already successfully been applied to applications in geology, forensics, ceramics, metals, glasses and a wide variety of environmental and industrial materials. In this study the use of elemental compositions, determined by ICP – MS to differentiate paper samples was investigated. Paper samples of commonly used office document paper from different sources were first microwave – digested in nitric acid – hydrogen peroxide solution and then trace elements concentrations were determined using ICP – MS.