Dynamics of Ninhydrin‐Reactive Nitrogen and pH in Gravesoil During the Extended Postmortem Interval1. Issue 5 (23rd July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anderson, Brianna; Meyer, Jessica; Carter, David O.
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic sciences. Volume 58:Issue 5(2013)
• Page Start: 1348
• Page End: 1352
• Publication Date: 2013-07-23
• Subjects: forensic science -- forensic taphonomy -- cadaver decomposition island -- carbon -- nitrogen -- ammonium -- nitrate -- pH -- clandestine grave; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; 363.2505
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12230
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1198

Abstract

Abstract: Estimating the postmortem interval of skeletal remains is difficult, as few tools exist to do so. To address this problem, we conducted a field experiment to measure the chemistry of swine ( Sus scrofa domesticus Linnaeus) gravesoil after 1 year and 3 years postmortem. Carcasses were placed on the soil surface of a pasture during June in a cold (Dfa) climate. Significant ( p < 0.05) increases in ninhydrin‐reactive nitrogen, pH, total nitrogen, and nitrate in gravesoil were detected 1 year postmortem. Significant differences in gravesoil chemistry were not detected 3 years postmortem. These observations coincided with gaps in plant growth 1 year postmortem and the development of lush vegetation 3 years postmortem. We conclude that these phenomena can be used to assist the decision‐making process regarding the allocation of resources during the early stages of a death investigation.