Decomposition cadavers

This chapter reviews the processes in soils associated with cadaver decomposition (i.e., gravesoils). A portion of this review also concerns insects and scavengers, because the activity of these organisms can regulate the introduction of cadaver material to soil. However, these topics are dealt with in greater detail by Amendt, Krettek, and Zehner (2004) and DeVault, Brisbin, and Rhodes (2003). The hope is that this chapter will provide a greater understanding of the processes associated with cadaver decomposition and their potential for forensic application. 

Figure 2.2 Sigmoidal decomposition curves typically associated with cadaver decomposition on the soil surface (—) and following burial in soil (—). (Adapted from Carter, unpublished data. With permission).

Figure 2.3 Pig (Sus scrofa L.) cadaver and cadaver decomposition island (CDI) on the soil surface of a pasture near Mead, Nebraska, at 70 days postmortem. Note area of dead plant material that defines the lateral extent of the CDI, which is bordered by plants that have undergone enhanced growth. (See color insert following p. 178.)...

The presence of clothing on an exposed body tends to increase the rate of cadaver decomposition because clothing provides a shaded area for maggots to feed (, Bass, and Meadows 1990). It is unknown how the presence of clothing affects the formation of a CDI, but it is likely that it would retard the flow of cadaveric moisture into the soil. The effect of clothing on cadaver decomposition is discussed in extensive detail by Janaway (this volume). 

A buried corpse surrounded by plant material (e.g., straw, pine branches) can display a more rapid rate of decomposition than a cadaver buried without these materials (Mant 1950). Mant (1950) believed that these plant materials introduced additional bacteria into the burial environment while providing a layer of air between the cadaver and the soil. Also, an increase in the rate of cadaver decomposition following the addition of plant material is due to the widening of the carbon to nitrogen ratio, which promotes microbial activity. In fact, this is the premise behind the composting of dead animals (Elwell, Moller, and Keener 1998). 

The rate of cadaver decomposition in soil can be affected by how often a particular site is subjected to cadaveric material. Microbial degradation is typically described as having three phases. The initial lag phase is defined by microbial or enzymatic enrichment. During the second phase the substrate is rapidly degraded. This is followed by a declining phase that results from a lack of readily available substrate or formation of humic substances (Ajwa and Tabatabai 1994). Forensic taphonomy holds that the burial of a number of cadavers in soil over time will result in an increased number of soil microorganisms (Janaway 1996). Experiments using controlled burial environment... 

Carter, D. (2005). Forensic taphonomy Processes associated with cadaver decomposition in soil. Ph.D. thesis, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia. 

Fungal Growth Following Cadaver Decomposition on the Ground... 

Within 12 months, soft-tissue decomposition had a marked effect on the degradation of associated textiles, as cadaver decomposition products... 

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