STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

Research and Reviews : A Journal of Life Sciences Original Research

Efficacy and Efficiency of Fingerprint Powder Derived from Natural Flowers – Development and Evaluation of Sustainable Fingerprint Powders

  1. Qurratul Ain Kausar Ansari Department of Forensic Science, G.H. Raisoni University, Anjangaon Bari Road, Amravati
  2. Pratiksha Parihar Department of Forensic Science, G.H. Raisoni University, Anjangaon Bari Road, Amravati
  3. Shrutika Chincholkar Department of Forensic Science, G.H. Raisoni University, Anjangaon Bari Road, Amravati
  4. Karuna Dohare Department of Forensic Science, G.H. Raisoni University, Anjangaon Bari Road, Amravati
  5. Mangesh S. Dhore Department of Forensic Science, G.H. Raisoni University, Anjangaon Bari Road, Amravati

Abstract

Fingerprints are crucial elements in forensic investigations. Latent or invisible fingerprints are commonly recovered from the scene of crime and hence require an attention for which visualization methods are needed. Conventional methods are relatively expensive, which may cause harmful threats and health hazards due to presence of chemical content. This study offers a cheap and sustainable fingerprint powder sourced from natural materials. In this study the powders were prepared from the dried petals of Bahunia purpurea, Bougainvillea, Amaranthus cruentus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, and Hibiscus grandiflorus. The petals were dried in sunlight for six days in the summer and then a mechanical method was used to prepare powder, i.e., motor and pastel and it was sieved by using a 40-mesh size. The dried petals were grinded and kept in oven at 110°C for about four hours. The ash powder was also prepared by using similar petals in muffle furnace for about 400°C for five hours. The grain size of prepared fingerprint powders was also determined. The durability of these novel powders was evaluated on non-porous surfaces including mobile screens, window glass, doors, keyboards, and glass bottles for the development and visualization of fingerprint impressions. All powders were efficient in window glass and door which is having more than 90% visualization. This research provides the efficacy and durability of natural powders in investigation and discovering new, safer and more affordable fingerprint powder alternatives.

Keywords

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