Soil Forensics
The James Hutton Institute hosts the world-leading Centre for Forensic Soil Science, which specialises in the analysis of soils and various ecological and environmental materials.
The centre’s expertise is utilised across the criminal justice systems both civil, criminal, and environmental, offering support in investigations, advice and providing expert witness testimony in court. The forensic analysis plays a crucial role in providing information in intelligence-led investigations and in offering advice and evidence for civil, environmental, wildlife and criminal cases.
Expert forensic analysis & ecological solutions
Led by Professor Lorna Dawson, a fully trained Expert Witness in soil science, we assist law enforcement, military, government, legal professionals, farmers and growers, and individuals by providing outdoor scene sampling, expert assessments, and bespoke reports based on contextual data. Through a comprehensive process of sampling, examination, analysis and evaluation we examine and compare evidence, helping to interpret environmental characteristics for opinion based evaluations.
Examples of Case Applications:
Inorganic Analysis:
Elemental Analysis and Soil Characterisation help identify contaminants or trace particles at crime scenes, linking evidence such as soil or particles found on clothing to specific locations.
Particle Size Analysis using laser diffraction discriminates locations, while Trace Particle Identification (SEM-EDS) identifies elements and their potential sources.
XRD analyses determine mineral profiles and can be linked to data from the soil archive held at the institute, identifying the origin of unknown samples.
Our techniques allow us to deliver a bespoke forensic service, uncovering critical environmental and ecological factors that play a pivotal role in criminal investigations—providing unique insights on a case-by-case basis.
Professor Lorna Dawson, Head of Forensic Science
(Photo: Ross Johnston/Newsline Media)
Organic Analysis:
GC-FID and GC-MS techniques allow for the comparison of soil samples to determine their source or to compare them with specific locations.
Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis:
FTIR Analysis helps identify unknown products found in soil and can assist in determining their point of origin.
Isotope and DNA Analysis:
Isotope and Molecular DNA Analysis link samples, such as plant fragments or animal faeces, to specific sources, and identify animal species.
Plant Characterisation involves identifying natural plant species, tree species, or crops, such as soft fruits, cereals, and potatoes, while Plant DNA analysis is used for matching species from unknown fragments.
Other Methods:
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) map soil and vegetation characteristics in a georeferenced model, aiding in search efforts by narrowing areas of focus.
Organism Identification (e.g., bacteria, fungi, diatoms) helps identify contamination sources and characterise habitats for ecological forensic investigations.
Head of the Centre, Professor Lorna Dawson, CBE, FRSE, FRSB, FRSA, FRSGS, FISoilSCi, ChSci has been involved in over 100 forensic cases and has presented evidence in over 20 trials in the UK and overseas.
Contact for more information
Lorna Dawson
Head of Forensic Science
Based in Aberdeen
T: +44 (0)7815 178093
Professor Lorna Dawson is Head of the Centre for Forensic Soil Forensic Science at the James Hutton Institute and has over 30 years’ experience in managing and conducting research in soil and plant interactions, in particular its application in the criminal justice system. She was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June 2018 for her services to soil and forensic science.
