Trace isotope analysis of Ricinus communis seed core for provenance determination by Laser Ablation-ICP-MS

The castor bean plant, Ricinus communis can be found throughout America, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia [1]. The morphology of R. communis ranges from a shrub ‐like appearance to trees up to ten metres in height. R. communis has alternating long-stalked palmate leaves with an inflorescence on the upper branches [1]. Historically R. communis was grown for castor oil, which accounts for up to 60% of the seed mass [2]. It is widely used industrially in lub ricants, hydraulic fluids, paint media and cosmetics [2].

Source: Forensic Science International - November 24, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Christina K. Bagas, Rachel L. Scadding, Cameron J. Scadding, R. John Watling, Warren Roberts, Simon P.B. Ovenden Source Type: research