Recycling Potential of Natural Waste Products in the Development of Fingerprint Powders for Forensic Application

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Published: Oct 31, 2021
Keywords:
Fingerprint, Eggshell, Clamshell, Powder

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Nur Fatin Nabihah Said
Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
Siti Nabilah Anuar
Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
Yusmazura Zakaria
Forensic Science Programme, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Revathi Rajan
Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
Nurasmat Mohd Shukri
Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
Nik Fakhuruddin Nik Hassan
Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia

Abstract

Introduction: The most common method to emerge latent fingermarks on non-porous surfaces is powdering by applying commercial fingerprint powders. However, the chemical composition of the powder is often toxic and poses health hazards to humans. This study was endeavoured to explore the effectiveness and potential use of natural resources for the enhancement of latent fingermarks. Methods: Eggshells and clamshells were prepared in fine powder form, and latent fingermarks were developed using each powder. Five non-porous substrates were selected for fingermarks deposition; glass, aluminium can, plastic book cover, painted wood, and compact disc. Results: Both natural powders have successfully developed high-quality finger marks with high clarity of ridge characteristics in comparison to commercial fingerprint powder (positive control) and untreated fingermark (negative control) on most of the tested surfaces tested. The sebaceous fingermarks have shown the best quality fingermarks when developed with both powders. In the ageing study, it was found that most non-porous substrates bearing latent fingermarks exposed to the destructive conditions can be successfully visualised in the early period of exposure. Conclusion: Eggshell and clamshell powders are as effective as commercial white powder but preferrable to be applied because of the low cost, abundant and non-hazardous.

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How to Cite
Said, N. F. N., Anuar, S. N., Zakaria, Y., Rajan, R., Mohd Shukri, N., & Nik Hassan, N. F. (2021). Recycling Potential of Natural Waste Products in the Development of Fingerprint Powders for Forensic Application. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 17(4), 196–204. Retrieved from http://mjmhsojs.upm.edu.my/index.php/mjmhs/article/view/484
Issue
Vol. 17 No. 4 (2021)
Section
Original Articles

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