Chemical tagging threatens illegal activity

Scientists at the University of Oviedo in Spain have developed a new method for tagging and identifying objects, substances and even living creatures. The new technique will allow the tracking of illegal gunpowder use – even after it has been denotated. The results also have implications for differentiating between wild and farmed fish.

The technique involves adding two stable isotopes to the object or animal, at an established ratio. A instrument called a mass spectrometer can then verify the isotope ratio of the specimen, establishing if it is the tagged product. This process can identify the chosen substance over a long period of time.

José Ignacio García Alonso explains the significance of the work; "This technology is applicable to the invisible tagging of manufactured substances and objects such as explosives, jewellery, artwork, foods and medicines, which helps to prevent fraud and counterfeiting. Through simple analytical techniques, a product can be traced from its origin and any possible illegal uses can be detected," he adds.

In the case of gunpowder this kind of tracking could be used to identify the products used in terrorist attacks.

Even when used in living organisms, such as fish, the technique does not have any environmental impact. As the fish already has copies of the chosen isotopes, there is no adverse effect on health. In fact the isotypes inserted into the female trout pass on naturally to her offspring, allowing the tracking of the next generation. This is useful in determining repopulation levels, and is currently being employed in rivers in Asturias, Spain.

Published: Monday, 16th January 2012 by Ellen Haggan