Preliminary Studies Into the Characterization of Chemical Markers of Decomposition for Geoforensics

• NCJ Number: 230710
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 55 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2010 Pages: 308-314
• Author(s): Lisa Swann, B.Sc.; Geoffrey E. Chidlow, B.App.Sci.; Shari Forbes, Ph.D.; Simon W. Lewis, Ph.D.
• Date Published: March 2010
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Presented at the International Association of Forensic Sciences Triennial Meeting, July 21–26, 2008, in New Orleans, LA; and the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society 19th International Symposium on the Forensic Sciences, October 6-9, 2008, in Melbourne, Australia.

Annotation

This paper reports the results of preliminary studies into chemical characterization of the fluids produced during decomposition in the absence of a soil matrix.

Abstract

Pig (Sus domestica) carcasses were used to model the human decomposition process in two separate locations, Western Australia (Perth) and Canada (Oshawa). Analysis involved simple dilution and filtration of the decomposition fluids followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Several previously unreported compounds were detected in the decomposition fluid samples during the trials, including benzeneacetic acid, benzenepropionic acid, 2-piperidone, and isocaproic acid. Possible biosynthetic pathways for some of the compounds produced are proposed. Further research trials are required, particularly in the presence of soil matrices. Figures and references (Published Abstract)