Effects of hydrated lime and quicklime on the decay of buried human remains using pig cadavers as human body analogues.
Recent casework in Belgium involving the search for human remains buried with lime, demonstrated the need for more detailed understanding of the effect of different types of lime on cadaver decomposition and its micro-environment. Six pigs (Sus scrofa) were used as body analogues in field experiments. They were buried without lime, with hydrated lime (Ca(OH)(2)) and with quicklime (CaO) in shallow graves in sandy loam soil in Belgium and recovered after 6 months of burial. Observations from these field recoveries informed additional laboratory experiments that were undertaken at the University of Bradford, UK. The combined results of these studies demonstrate that despite conflicting evidence in the literature, hydrated lime and quicklime both delay the decay of the carcass during the first 6 months. This study has implications for the investigation of clandestine burials and for a better understanding of archaeological plaster burials. Knowledge of the effects of lime on decomposition processes also has bearing on practices involving burial of animal carcasses and potentially the management of mass graves and mass disasters by humanitarian organisations and DVI teams.
Forensic & Archaeological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1DP, United Kingdom. eline.schotsmans@live.be
Eline M J
EM
Schotsmans
John
J
Denton
Jessica
J
Dekeirsschieter
Tatiana
T
Ivaneanu
Sarah
S
Leentjes
Rob C
RC
Janaway
Andrew S
AS
Wilson
D000818:Animals; D002048:Burial; D017610:Calcium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D001517:Coleoptera; D004175:Diptera; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D023421:Models, Animal; D010087:Oxides / Q000737:chemistry*; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D011891:Rain; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry; D013552:Swine; D013696:Temperature
D017610:Calcium Compounds; D010087:Oxides; D012987:Soil; C016538:lime