Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland
Soil is a complex matrix of mineral and organic components. Clues as to the geographical origin of a soil sample and its surrounding vegetation can be gained by identifying and characterising these components. In the EPSRC-funded SoilFit project, staff from the Macaulay Institute and BioSS are working with a large multi-disciplinary group of experts from a number of UK academic and law enforcement organisations to investigate the potential of advanced analytical methods in providing soil forensic intelligence to police investigations. This has involved the creation of a UK-wide soils database and the application of multivariate statistical methods to data of many different kinds, arising from a host of advanced laboratory techniques. In addition, the project involves software development for both comparing and locating soil samples. This work has led to wide media coverage, including a feature on the BBC television programme “Working Lunch“.
Further details from: Mark Brewer
Article date 2007
