Abstract
Odour profiling of decomposed remains is important for understanding the mechanisms that cadaver dogs and forensically-relevant insects use to locate decomposed remains. The decomposition odour profile is complex and has been documented in outdoor terrestrial environments. The purpose of this study was to perform longitudinal analysis of the volatile organic compound (VOC) profile in soils associated with decomposed remains across all stages of decomposition. Two VOC collection techniques (sorbent tubes and solid phase microextraction) were used to collect a wider analyte range and to investigate differences in collection techniques. Pig carcasses were placed in an outdoor research facility in Australia to model the decomposition process and VOCs were collected intermittently over two months. VOCs of interest were identified over the duration of the trial, showing distinct trends in compound evolution and disappearance. The collection techniques were complementary, representing different subsets of VOCs from the overall profile. Sorbent tubes collected more decomposition-specific VOCs and these compounds were more effective at characterising the matrix over an extended period. Using both collection techniques improves the likelihood of identifying the complete VOC profile of decomposition odour. Such information is important for the search and recovery of victim remains in various stages of decomposition.
Highlights
During cadaver decomposition a variety of chemical and biological processes contribute to the evolution of odorous chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Forensic search procedures for missing persons or victims of homicide employ the use of detection dogs [1,2,3,4] or handheld detection devices [5,6,7,8] that rely on decomposition VOC recognition
All pig carcasses decomposed at similar rates throughout the study and were classified based on the stages of decomposition adapted from those first described by Payne [26]
Summary
During cadaver decomposition a variety of chemical and biological processes contribute to the evolution of odorous chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Forensic search procedures for missing persons or victims of homicide employ the use of detection dogs [1,2,3,4] or handheld detection devices [5,6,7,8] that rely on decomposition VOC recognition These can be used in disaster victim recovery where speed and accuracy are paramount concerns [6,8]. VOCs released during decomposition attract a predictable pattern of arthropods (referred to as insect succession) to deceased victims, which can further be used to estimate PMI in forensic casework [9,10] These areas of forensic practice rely on the production of volatile organic compounds from a victim. Establishing an accurate decomposition VOC profile can provide information for improving best practices
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call