Comparative Evaluation of Plant-Derived Ash Powders for the Development of Latent Fingerprints on Different Surface Types

Abstract

The distinctive arrangement of ridges and valleys on the surface of a person’s fingertip is known as a fingerprint. After creation, the ridge pattern stays the same; they remain same throughout life. A fingerprint is an individual trait of a person. A latent fingerprint is developed with the help of physical and chemical methods. In this paper, we are using physical methods: In physical methods, we can use different types of powders to decipher the latent fingerprint. Here we are using the leaf ash powder method. This powder is successful in visualizing the ridge patterns of fingerprints on porous surfaces such as cardboard and wooden surfaces, as well as non-porous surfaces including stainless steel, glass, ceramic tile, windows, marble, electronic gadgets (mobile phone, laptop, charger, etc.), water bottles, and cover paper (Example – notebook cover). Scientific Name – Eucalyptus Globulus, Kingdom – Plantae, Order – Myrtales, Family – Myrtaceae, Genus – Eucalyptus. Leaf ash powder is derived from Natural sources (burned plant leaves) make it a sustainable and non toxic alternative to commercial fingerprint powder. Leaf ash powder primarily works on physical adherence. Leaf ash powder is composed of fine carbon-based particles and mineral residue. Ash powder is applied to the desired surface; the fine particles adhere to moisture, oil, and organic residue present in the fingerprint ridges due to van der Waals forces and electrostatic interactions. The adhered powder outlines the ridge patterns, making the latent fingerprint visible.  “The use of leaf ash powder enabled the clear development of latent fingerprints on a variety of surfaces. The ridge characteristics is visible distinct and well-defined, with limited alteration from the background. The technique showed consistent performance on both permeable and non-permeable materials, including glass, paper, and metal surfaces. It can be concluded that leaf ash serves as a simple and environmentally safe option for developing latent fingerprints. Due to its affordable, environmentally safe, and easy preparation, it can be effectively used as an alternative to conventional powders, particularly in situations where resources are limited.” As an easy to use & eco-friendly, leaf ash offers substantia value, especially in resource limited environment. Further research into different types of leaf ash and their specific properties could enhance the stability and performance of this method in operational forensic investigations.