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The persistence of semen on cotton fabric in various water environments
Journal article   Peer reviewed

The persistence of semen on cotton fabric in various water environments

S. Beckwith, J. Murakami and B. Chapman
Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, Vol.52(2), pp.155-164
2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00450618.2018.1484164
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Abstract

Biological evidence that can generate a DNA profile is considered highly important evidence in sexual assault cases. As ejaculate evidence is unlikely to be found on intimate swabs after 24 hours, textile evidence is of significant importance in such cases. Fabric garments may be exposed to water, potentially to remove evidence, or due to the location of a decedent. To determine the effects of exposure to various water types, semen-stained cotton underwear was exposed to tap, swimming pool, river, and ocean water for up to two weeks. For detection of semen stains, narrow-band, fixed wavelength lighting was minimally successful, while acid phosphatase testing with an extended cut-off was highly sensitive. Spermatozoa were undetectable on fabric samples soaked in ocean water for 12 hours, and swimming pool water for one week, with no upper limit of detectability noticed for tap or river water, although a decreasing trend was noted.

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Source: InCites

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99 Record Views
3 Times Cited - Web of Science

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Citation topics
1 Clinical & Life Sciences
1.189 Genome Studies
1.189.310 Population Genetics
Web Of Science research areas
Medicine, Legal
ESI research areas
Clinical Medicine
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