Application of X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) as a Sustainable, Non-Destructive Analytical Tool for Elemental Profiling in Biological Tissues: Insights from a Forensic Electrocution Case Study

Abstract

electrocution fatalities. In this study, a solvent-free and non-destructive approach based on portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy was applied for elemental profiling of skin tissues. XRF enabled direct, in situ identification and quantification of elemental residues without chemical digestion, solvent use, or sample destruction, thereby ensuring both environmental sustainability and preservation of evidence. The case examined involved the electrocution of a female victim who reportedly received a fatal electric shock while handling a metallic desert cooler. Detailed XRF analysis of the lesion tissues revealed significant aluminium deposition at the suspected burn sites, which was absent in control tissues and inconsistent with the composition of the cooler and bucket recovered at the scene. These findings provided direct evidence of current conduction through aluminium contact, effectively challenging the preliminary investigative theory. The results highlight the forensic value of XRF as a rapid, sustainable, and reliable analytical tool, capable of supporting legal investigations while adhering to the principles of green analytical chemistry.

Introduction

The text discusses forensic investigation of electrocution cases, focusing on the mechanisms, diagnostic methods, and a specific case study.

1. Overview of Electrocution Cases

• Electrocution deaths are increasingly common, often occurring in domestic or occupational settings, especially in regions with poor-quality electrical installations.

• Investigation relies on crime scene evidence such as wires, conductors, and characteristic skin injuries.

• Electrical burns can appear minor externally while causing extensive underlying tissue damage, necessitating detailed postmortem analysis.

2. Diagnostic Approaches

• Autopsy and histopathology: Evaluate internal/external damage, tissue necrosis, and dermo-epidermal separation.

• Biochemical and imaging techniques: Include postmortem CT/MRI, electron microscopy, and analyses of organ damage (e.g., rhabdomyolysis, myocardial cell lysis).

• Metallization analysis: Detection of metal deposition in skin and subcutaneous tissue through techniques like X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), and older histochemical stains.

  • XRF and EDX are highly sensitive, non-destructive, and can detect trace metals even without visible burns.

  • They provide both qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis, crucial for forensic confirmation of electrocution.

3. Methods Comparison

• Autopsy: Complete examination but invasive; virtual autopsy is non-invasive but costly.

• Histopathology/SEM/TEM: High-resolution tissue analysis but requires expertise.

• Biochemistry: Sensitive for molecular markers but technically demanding.

• Metallization methods: Non-destructive XRF/EDX preferred over destructive staining; allow precise elemental detection.

4. Case Study

• A 32-year-old woman allegedly died due to electrocution while pouring water into a metallic cooler using a metallic bucket.

• Autopsy findings: Multiple contact burns on palms, wrists, and forearms; subcutaneous reddening; abrasions with contusions.

• Histopathology: Separation at dermo-epidermal junction, blister formation, and dermal collagen degeneration.

• Samples collected: Control skin, suspected skin tissue, metallic cooler, and metallic bucket for comparative metallization analysis.

Conclusion

This study highlights the dual forensic and environmental advantages of applying X-ray fluorescence (XRF) in electrocution investigations. Unlike conventional elemental analysis techniques that rely on acid digestion, solvents, or destructive preparation, XRF is solvent-free, generates negligible chemical waste, and preserves biological evidence for complementary testing making it a green analytical alternative aligned with sustainable forensic science. The case findings demonstrated aluminium exclusively in lesion tissue and not in control samples, confirming metallization from direct contact with an aluminium-bearing surface. This evidentiary value is particularly significant given that traditional diagnostic techniques, such as histopathology, cannot reveal elemental composition. The high sensitivity of XRF, however, also underscores the importance of strict exhibit management to avoid contamination. Looking forward, integration with complementary methods such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) can enhance morphological and compositional resolution, strengthening the ability to distinguish contact-induced metallization from electrical damage. The combined application of XRF and microscopy thus provides a powerful, environmentally responsible, and scientifically rigorous framework for reconstructing injury mechanisms and supporting medico-legal conclusions in cases of suspected electrocution.

References

[1] S. Giri, A. Waghmode, and N. K. Tumram, “Study of different facets of electrocution deaths: a 5-year review,” Egypt. J. Forensic Sci., vol. 9, no. 1, p. 1, Dec. 2019. [2] D. Gunnell, M. Eddleston, M. R. Phillips, and F. Konradsen, “The global distribution of fatal pesticide self-poisoning: Systematic review,” BMC Public Health, vol. 7, no. 1, p. 357, Dec. 2007. [3] M. Eddleston et al., “Pesticide poisoning in the developing world—a minimum pesticides list,” Lancet, vol. 360, no. 9340, pp. 1163–1167, Oct. 2002. [4] B. D. Gupta, R. A. Mehta, and M. M. Trangadia, “Profile of Deaths due to Electrocution: A Retrospective Study,” J. Indian Acad. Forensic Med., vol. 34, no. 1, pp. 13–15, Mar. 2012. [5] V. Palimar, P. Rastogi, G. P. Kumar, and S. M. Bakkannavar, “Death due to electric current,” J. Indian Acad. Forensic Med., vol. 31, no. 3, pp. 258–259, Sep. 2009. [6] R. W. Byard, “Electrocution – post-mortem presentations, problems and pitfalls,” Forensic Sci. Med. Pathol., vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 91–93, Oct. 2022. [7] M. Alqassim, R. Ewiss, and H. Al Ali, “The Role of Forensic Engineering in the Diagnosis of Electrocution Fatalities: Two Case Reports,” Saf. Health Work, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 124–130, Mar. 2023. [8] N. Ateriya, V. P. Meshram, T. Kanchan, A. Saraf, R. S. Shekhawat, and S. Malik, “Metallization at the Exit Wound—An Unusual Finding in Fatal Electrocution,” J. Forensic Sci., vol. 65, no. 1, pp. 318–322, Jan. 2020. [9] A. De Donno, M. Favia, A. Marzullo, F. Mele, and F. Introna, “High tension electrocution death: New histopathological cardiac tools by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope,” J. Forensic Leg. Med., vol. 66, pp. 162–166, Aug. 2019. [10] N. Sharma et al., “Electric injury: a case series,” Int. J. Res. Med. Sci., vol. 10, no. 12, p. 2924, Nov. 2022. [11] S. Grabherr, P. Baumann, C. Minoiu, S. Fahrni, and P. Mangin, “Post-mortem imaging in forensic investigations: current utility, limitations, and ongoing developments,” Res. Reports Forensic Med. Sci., p. 25, Mar. 2016. [12] S. Grabherr, C. Egger, R. Vilarino, L. Campana, M. Jotterand, and F. Dedouit, “Modern post-mortem imaging: an update on recent developments,” Forensic Sci. Res., vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 52–64, Apr. 2017. [13] M. Boracchi et al., “Extensive study on electrocution at the Bureau of Legal Medicine of Milan (1993–2017): Determination of the current mark with scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive X-ray analysis on paraffin-embedded samples,” Med. Leg. J., vol. 87, no. 2, pp. 67–73, Jun. 2019. [14] C. Mondello, A. Micali, L. Cardia, A. Argo, S. Zerbo, and E. V. Spagnolo, “Forensic tools for the diagnosis of electrocution death: Case study and literature review,” Med. Leg. J., vol. 86, no. 2, pp. 89–93, Jun. 2018. [15] E. Palazzo et al., “The detection of metallic residues in skin stab wounds by means of SEM-EDS: A pilot study,” Sci. Justice, vol. 58, no. 3, pp. 232–236, May 2018. [16] E. Bellini et al., “Death by electrocution: Histological technique for copper detection on the electric mark,” Forensic Sci. Int., vol. 264, pp. 24–27, Jul. 2016. [17] H. Kinoshita et al., “The application of a variable-pressure scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray microanalyser to the diagnosis of electrocution: a case report,” Leg. Med., vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 55–60, Mar. 2004. [18] S. D. Visonà, Y. Chen, P. Bernardi, L. Andrello, and A. Osculati, “Diagnosis of electrocution: The application of scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in five cases,” Forensic Sci. Int., vol. 284, pp. 107–116, Mar. 2018. [19] M. Sharma, “X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis: Useful For Forensic Examination,” J. Forensic Sci. Crim. Investig., vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 1–5, Mar. 2016. [20] S. Tambuzzi, L. Bonizzoni, F. Di Paola, D. Mazzarelli, G. Caccia, and C. Cattaneo, “Portable x?ray fluorescence as a tool for assessing electric marks in forensic evaluation,” X-Ray Spectrom., vol. 53, no. 2, pp. 112–120, Mar. 2024. [21] T. Wang, D. Zou, J. Zhang, and Y. Chen, “Application of Microbeam X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry in the Diagnosis of Suspected Electrocution by High-Voltage Direct Current,” Am. J. Forensic Med. Pathol., vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 190–193, Sep. 2016. [22] N. Tanaka et al., “Determination of metallization with energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescent spectrometry in experimental electric injury,” Leg. Med., vol. 47, no. June, p. 101768, Nov. 2020. [23] N. Tanaka, H. Kinoshita, M. Jamal, M. Kumihashi, K. Tsutsui, and K. Ameno, “Findings for current marks: Histopathological examination and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy of three cases,” Leg. Med., vol. 15, no. 5, pp. 283–287, Sep. 2013. [24] S. Chung, S. Cha, S.-Y. Lee, J.-H. Park, and S. Lee, “The five elements of the cell,” Integr. Med. Res., vol. 6, no. 4, pp. 452–456, Dec. 2017. [25] “The elements of life: A biocentric tour of the periodic table,” 2023, pp. 1–127. [26] B. B. Ong and N. Milne, “Injury, Fatal and Nonfatal: Burns and Scalds,” in Encyclopedia of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Elsevier, 2016, pp. 173–181. [27] V. P. Meshram, R. S. Shekhawat, S. Ayyappan, M. Rao, and T. Kanchan, “Homicidal electrocution disguised as an accidental death,” J. Forensic Sci., vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1405–1409, Jul. 2023.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Urvashi Sharma, Parshuram Singh , Chitralekha . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.