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Finding evidence in plants for use of chemical weapons

January 31st, 2023

Analytical Scientists at the University of Amsterdam's Van 't Hoff institute for Molecular Sciences together with colleagues from TNO have demonstrated for the first time that chemical warfare agents react with plant proteins to form stable protein adducts. These 'biomarkers' could still be detected in the living plants, as well as in dried leaves, up to three months after the actual exposure. This enables forensic reconstructions of the use of chemical weapons, which can assist investigations into alleged use in conflict areas.

The research was recently published as a 'hot article' in the scientific journal Analytical Methods and features on the cover. First author is Mirjam de Bruin-Hoegée who performed the research as part of her PhD study under supervision of Arian van Asten, professor of Forensic Analytical Chemistry and On Scene Chemical Analysis at the University of Amsterdam and one of the directors of the Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine (CLHC). De Bruin-Hoegée cooperated with researchers at TNO Defence, Safety and Security in Rijswijk, and with scientists of various member states of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) as part of its "Plant Biomarker Challenge". The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its comprehensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.

More information:
Mirjam de Bruin-Hoegée et al, Verification of exposure to chemical warfare agents through analysis of persistent biomarkers in plants, Analytical Methods (2022). DOI: 10.1039/D2AY01650H

Provided by University of Amsterdam

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