Demographical identification of trace metals found in soil samples from India

Abstract

Soil has various trace metals, which help to identify the demographical origin of the soil. The formation of soil undergoes changes due to several external factors. However, certain trace metals are not affected by these external factors. This chapter considers two approaches for the detection of these trace elements; first, it highlights the usefulness of the trace elements present in the soil whose presence in deficiency or excess affects the soil quality; second, the analysis of soil transferred from various surfaces, to detect the presence of these trace elements. This chapter involves various instrumental techniques used to study its elemental composition and morphological characteristics. Due to the heterogeneous nature of the soil, the information from this chapter can be used as a database to narrow down the area of search and objects under study. It also provides insights into understanding the presence of trace metals in soil, their effects, and their role in forensic soil science. The use of soil in the search for trace evidence, which gives background knowledge on the importance of comprehending soil from the topographical scale to the crime scene, has been overviewed. This aids law enforcement agencies in investigations.