Classic and Emerging Techniques in Environmental Forensics

Ioana G. Petrisor, Ph.D.
Environmental Scientist
DPRA Inc.,
E-mail: Ioana.Petrisor@dpra.comAbstract:
Environmental Forensics is an emerging field that uses the knowledge and techniques from a large variety of basic and applied sciences in order to conduct scientific investigations and respond to three main questions: (1) what is the contamination source(s)? (2) when did the contamination occur? and (3) who is responsible? Both historical (documentary) and real field data may be used for a reliable investigation. The motivation for such studies is provided by the legal context (legislation) that requires and allows the recovery of remedial costs (in the order of millions of dollars) from the identified responsible parties.
The current presentation will focus on two main techniques with high potential in forensics investigations. The first technique based on isotopic (stable and/or radioactive) analyses could be considered classic as it has proven performances in many environmental forensics investigations. Several case studies, where isotopic analyses were efficiently applied for tracking contamination and manage liabilities, will be provided and discussed. The second technique is emerging and relies on the use of DNA fingerprinting for reconstructing contaminant release events. Several emerging molecular microbiological techniques known by the generic term of DNA fingerprinting (including terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and ribotyping) will be presented. Their proven applicability in criminal forensics will be discussed along with the potential applications in environmental forensics. Finally, few quizzes will be given in order to illustrate the complexity of environmental forensic issues and how to integrate knowledge and techniques in solving intractable problems.

Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 156

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Evangeline Reyes