Headspace analysis of ammonium nitrate variants and the effects of differing vapor profiles on canine detection

Canines continue to be one of the most frequently deployed tool in detection explosives, and particularly homemade explosives (HMEs), part, due ease training new HME materials as threats arise. The majority HMEs encountered contain ammonium nitrate (AN), previous research has measured release ammonia from AN, found that vapor concentration varies with form, purity, environment, but this is not been correlated canine proficiency. In research, headspace analysis AN variants was carried out using solid phase microextraction (SPME) gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Ammonia extracted on-fiber derivatization, while presence other volatiles these were also characterized by a traditional SPME extraction. These results testing, where canines previously trained odor provided laboratory-grade for imprinting, after which they locate series simple tasks. Headspace showed variations both amount well volatile compounds various samples, changes profiles changing environmental conditions. Canine data indicated differences samples may confound when on alone, increased availability certain have improved group canines.