Soil from footwear is a newly rediscovered type of forensic evidence due to the application of modern analytical techniques: A review

Traces of soil discovered on a footwear were historically among the first types of evidence used by crime scene investigators. This type of evidence has been rediscovered recently due to the application of powerful analytical techniques providing quantitative characteristics of the soil (bio)chemical compo-sition. Advanced statistical analysis of the quantitative data further improves the probative value of the soil evidence. The article overview main aspects of the emerging techniques for the forensic soil analysis and the factors that challenge data interpretation including mixing, contamination, and composition complexity. Overcoming these issues is crucial for utilizing soil analysis for forensic purposes. (c) 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Traces of soil on footwear have long been used as evidence by crime scene investigators, and recent advances in analytical techniques have allowed for quantitative analysis of the soil's chemical composition. Statistical analysis of this data has improved the probative value of soil evidence. This article discusses the emerging techniques for forensic soil analysis and the challenges in data interpretation, including mixing, contamination, and composition complexity.