Type of Document	Master's Thesis
Author	Whipp, Michelle D
Author's Email Address	miracle.whipp@gmail.com
URN	etd-04132012-173812
Title	Identification of Blood Protein in Louisiana Clay Soil
Degree	Master of Arts (M.A.)
Department	Geography & Anthropology
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Saunders, Rebecca Committee Chair Listi, Ginesse A. Committee Member Manhein, Mary H. Committee Member
Keywords	crossover immunoelectrophoresis blood protein
Date of Defense	2011-12-06
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract In modern forensics, soil from crime scenes is not tested for the presence of blood proteins. This is due to the belief that proteins degrade too quickly for detection. The purpose of this paper is to report on the research performed in an effort to counter that belief and in so doing, suggests changes in the current procedures. Using pig blood as an analog for human blood, blood was deposited outside, at two separate locations roughly a half mile apart, at a southern Louisiana cattle farm. Over 18 months, samples were taken from cores at the deposition sites and these were tested for the presence of blood proteins at PaleoResearch Institute in Golden, Colorado. Crossover-Immunoelectrophoresis (CIEP) was used to test over 130 soil samples taken at three-month intervals. Results indicate further research is warranted. The control samples tested negative, while intermittent weak positive results for blood proteins from the samples were obtained. The lack of interpretable patterning in the positive results, however, renders my results inconclusive. Further testing with more controlled variables is required.
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