Journal de recherche médico-légale

Moisture Inhibits the Decomposition Process of Tissue Buried in Sea Sand: A Forensic Case Related Study

Abstract

Franklin R.W. van de Goot, Mark P.V. Begieneman, Mike W.J. Groen, Reza R.R. Gerretsen, Maud A.J.J. van Erp and Hans W.M. Niessen

Many aspects influence the decomposition process of a body and, as such, are important in forensic science for estimation of the post mortem interval. In a recent forensic case, a missing man was found buried in sea sand. The post mortem interval estimation as obtained at autopsy was quite different to the actual period this man was missing. In the present study, we have set up an artificial decomposition model to study the effect of sea soil and moisture, relevant to this particular case, on the decomposition mode.

Pig (Sus domesticus) legs were buried in 50 litres of sea sand and control sand (woodland sand) respectively, within containers for 1, 2 and 3 months. The sand was evaluated using routine pedological analysis. The legs were analysed using AZAN staining and microscopically scored for their decomposition grade. In the second part of the study, the effect of moisture hereon was analysed.

Pedological analysis did not show significant differences in composition between the sea- and woodland sand. Although an increase in decomposition grade was found in both soils over time, no differences in decomposition grade were found. In the second part of the study, however, we found a significant decrease in decomposition score in legs buried in wet, soaked sea sand compared to those buried in dry sea sand. Soaked means a small layer of water was seen on the container’s surface.

We have successfully developed an in vitro decomposition model in order to address taphonomic questions related to a forensic case and have found that moisture inhibited the process of decomposition in sea sand.