Biochemical alteration of gravesoils between season and soil type

Abstract

Decomposition chemistry refers to the biochemical degradation processes which occur in soft tissue as decomposition proceeds. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the release of decomposition fluids into contrasting soil environments and their potential correlation with the presence of a decomposing carcass. Soil from two different carcass decomposition trials was utilized to determine if seasonal and soil variation altered the soils reaction to a carcass. The reaction was determined by investigating the soil available phosphorus, extractable lipid-phosphate, pH, moisture and fatty acid content. A significant increase in the relative concentration of extractable lipid-phosphate, soil available phosphorus, and fatty acid content was identified, confirming the flux in the microbial biomass in the soil. Contrary to these nutrients, there were no notable changes in the soil pH and moisture content. The findings of this study were able to highlight the future forensic potential of these techniques and demonstrate a need for further research.