Which type of evidence is often analyzed for trace elements due to its environmental interactions?

Soil samples are often analyzed for trace elements because they can contain a variety of materials derived from the surrounding environment. Over time, soil accumulates organic and inorganic materials, including minerals, pollutants, and biological material, which can all provide important information about a location and its history. The composition of soil can vary significantly from one area to another, making it useful for forensic investigations, particularly in establishing connections between a suspect, a victim, and a crime scene.

In forensics, the analysis of soil can help establish the geographical origins of a person or object, potentially linking them to a specific location. Soil contains trace elements that may reflect human activity, such as construction materials, agricultural chemicals, or industrial pollutants, which can point to certain activities or areas.

While biological samples, glass fragments, and textiles can be important in forensic analysis, they do not carry the same wealth of environmental context as soil samples do. Biological evidence typically relates to living organisms or their byproducts and may not provide trace elements from the environment. Glass fragments can yield information about their origin or the circumstances of a breakage but are not typically analyzed for environmental trace elements in the same way. Textiles can be analyzed for fibers or manufacturing details but are less likely related to environmental interactions