Comparative Soil Analysis from Different Crime Prone Areas of Kottayam and Kollam Districts of Kerala for Forensic Characterization

Abstract

Soil is the loose surface material that covers land on which plants grow. It consists of a mixture of organic remains, clay, and rock particles, which gives it its uniqueness from place to place. Because of the uniqueness of soil, it has a high evidential value in the field of forensic science. In the present study, research has been conducted to check the range of variations in the soil collected from different crime-prone areas of Kottayam and Kollam districts of Kerala by physical, chemical, microscopic, and instrumental examination. In physical examination, soil colour, texture, consistency, and density were measured, and in chemical examination, pH and total soluble sulphate of the soil were measured. In instrumental examination, Heavy metal analysis was done by using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), which helps to measure the amount of trace elements present in the soil. The study found that each soil has some significant variations that make it unique. In the field of forensic science, this can be highly helpful in determining the origin of soil by examining its colour, texture, structure, content, etc.