Volume 55, Issue 2 pp. 308-314

Preliminary Studies into the Characterization of Chemical Markers of Decomposition for Geoforensics*

Lisa Swann B.Sc. (Hons),

Lisa Swann B.Sc. (Hons)

Department of Chemistry, Curtin University of Technology, Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.

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Geoffrey E. Chidlow B.App.Sci.,

Geoffrey E. Chidlow B.App.Sci.

Department of Chemistry, Curtin University of Technology, Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.

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Shari Forbes Ph.D.,

Shari Forbes Ph.D.

Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada L1H 7K4.

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Simon W. Lewis Ph.D.,

Simon W. Lewis Ph.D.

Department of Chemistry, Curtin University of Technology, Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.

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Lisa Swann B.Sc. (Hons),

Lisa Swann B.Sc. (Hons)

Department of Chemistry, Curtin University of Technology, Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.

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Geoffrey E. Chidlow B.App.Sci.,

Geoffrey E. Chidlow B.App.Sci.

Department of Chemistry, Curtin University of Technology, Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.

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Shari Forbes Ph.D.,

Shari Forbes Ph.D.

Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada L1H 7K4.

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Simon W. Lewis Ph.D.,

Simon W. Lewis Ph.D.

Department of Chemistry, Curtin University of Technology, Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.

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First published: 01 March 2010

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01263.x

Citations: 28

Additional information and reprint requests:
A/Prof Simon Lewis, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry
Curtin University of Technology
Box U1987
Perth 6845, WA
Australia
E-mail: [email protected]

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. Author Lisa Swann was supported by an Australian Postgraduate Award.

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Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, we report the results of our preliminary studies into chemical characterization of the fluids produced during decomposition in the absence of a soil matrix. 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.

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Volume55, Issue2

March 2010

Pages 308-314

Preliminary Studies into the Characterization of Chemical Markers of Decomposition for Geoforensics*

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Preliminary Studies into the Characterization of Chemical Markers of Decomposition for Geoforensics*

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