A study of adipocere in soil collected from a field leaching study

Cassar, J.; Stuart, Barbara H.; Dent, Boyd B.; Notter, Stephanie J.; Forbes, Shari L.; O’Brien, C.; Dadour, Ian R.

doi:10.1080/00450611003685996

Cited by 9 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…Fiedler et al suggested that the calcium was bound in adipocere and that phosphorus had migrated from the body into the soil [3]. Algarra et al [57] and Cassar et al [17] also discuss methodology to identify fatty acids in soils.…”

Section: Chemical Analysismentioning

confidence: 97%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Adipocere: What is known after over two centuries of research

Ubelaker

Zarenko

2011

Forensic Science International

104

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Section: Chemical Analysismentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Forbes et al [7,8,16] and Cassar et al [17] note that the presence of adipocere is marked by particular fatty acids. Tkocz et al [18] reference histology, scanning electron microscope examination, biochemical studies and histological structure.…”

Section: Definitionsmentioning

confidence: 97%

Adipocere: What is known after over two centuries of research

Ubelaker

Zarenko

2011

Forensic Science International

104

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“…Alteration of the soil environment caused by cadaver decomposition is also supported by a study conducted at the University of Tennessee Anthropological Research Facility, to shed light on the long-term effects of continuous human decomposition on the surrounding environment [15]. To examine the extent of vertical movement of decomposition products through sediment, a field leaching study monitoring the decomposition of a pig in a natural quartz sand environment has been carried out in Australia [16].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Monitoring the extent of vertical and lateral movement of human decomposition products through sediment using cholesterol as a biomarker

Luong

Forbes

Wallman

2018

Forensic Science International

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Due to the lack of human decomposition research facilities available in different geographical regions, the extent of movement of human decomposition products from a cadaver into various sedimentary environments, in different climates, has not been able to be studied in detail. In our study, a human cadaver was placed on the surface of a designated plot at the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER), the only human decomposition facility in Australia, where the natural process of decomposition was allowed to progress over 14days in the Australian summer. Sediment columns (approximately 1m deep) were collected at lateral distances of 0.25m, 0.5m, 1.0m and 2.5m in each of four directions from the centre of the torso. Plot elevation and weather data were also collected. Each sediment column was subdivided, dried and homogenised. A sample was isolated from each sediment subdivision, extracted with hexane, and the hexane extract cleaned with citrate buffer (pH 3), filtered and spiked with cholesterol-D internal standard. After derivatisation with BSTFA+1% TMCS, cholesterol was monitored in the samples using targeted gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis. A positive result for decomposition products was given if the cholesterol abundance in the test sample was higher than that detected in the 'control' samples of a similar substrate type collected prior to cadaver placement. Within the confines of the experimental design and the measured parameters, lateral leaching was observed over distances of up to 2.5m from the centre of the torso, which was the maximum distance tested in the study. Vertical leaching was detected to depths of up to 49cm below the ground surface. Such data can aid the development of policies related to plot sizing and sediment renewal and regeneration at other human decomposition facilities and at cemeteries. The density and distribution of cholesterol surrounding the cadaver in this study can also help forensic investigators interpret cases involving remains that have been moved or scavenged.

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“…While the formation of adipocere has been intensively investigated, both under laboratory [13][14][15] and real conditions [16,17], only a few reports concentrate on role of antemortem Cd exposure on adipocere formation. Thus this work is designed to investigate the effect of Cd toxicity on rate of adipocere development via tracing morphological changes in the submerged cadavers and determination of iodine value and estimation of Cd residues in both subcutaneous and visceral fat.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Forensic toxicological study on adipocere formation in submerged cadavers of female albino rats intoxicated with cadmium

El-Sharkawy

Abd‐Elhakim

Alklech

2019

Forensic Sciences Research

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There is a dearth of information on the mutual interaction between metal intoxication and adipocere formation. Herein, forty adult female albino rats were distributed into two equal groups, one used as control while the other orally administered single dose of cadmium chloride (CdCl 2 ) 225 mg/kgÁbw (LD min ). Control group was killed by cervical dislocation. Half of dead rats of both groups were subjected for determination of iodine value and estimation of cadmium (Cd) residues while the other half of both groups were submerged in opened glass container previously filled with 4 L dechlorinated tap water kept in closed room with an open air access (one cadaver/container). Gross morphological changes of submerged cadavers were recorded weekly along the experiment. At the end of the experiment, after 3 months, samples were collected again for iodine value determination and estimation of Cd residues. The obtained results revealed the depressant effect of Cd toxicity on development of adipocere. Cd residues were found in different tissues of cadavers at time of death with the highest amount in the intestines followed by the liver and kidneys, then lungs, adipose tissue, muscles, and finally the bones. After 3 months of water submersion, tissues exhibited significant decrease in the amount of Cd residues but to a limit that was still detected. This study concluded the possibility of detection of Cd residues even after adipocere formation. Additionally, it shed light on the possibility of the interference of environmental pollution with the natural rate of decomposition especially adipocere formation. ARTICLE HISTORY

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A study of adipocere in soil collected from a field leaching study

Cited by 9 publications

References 20 publications

Adipocere: What is known after over two centuries of research

Adipocere: What is known after over two centuries of research

Monitoring the extent of vertical and lateral movement of human decomposition products through sediment using cholesterol as a biomarker

Forensic toxicological study on adipocere formation in submerged cadavers of female albino rats intoxicated with cadmium

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