title: Effects of different types of soil on decomposition: an experimental study.
abstract: Decomposition, a postmortem process including autolysis and putrefaction, is affected by many factors (e.g., humidity, microbial activity, soil properties). The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of soil type in decomposition process. Changes occurred in two intervals (3 and 6 months) were evaluated using a total of 32 Sus scrofa limbs by burying in four different types of soil (loamy, clayey, sandy and organic). The extremities in all soils had lost weight over time; however, mass loss was greater in loamy and organic soils in both intervals. Entomological findings were also assessed. Obtained findings of soil analysis and evaluation of decomposition were compatible. In conclusion, the present study revealed that soil properties and textures should be taken into account in evaluation of decomposition and estimating postmortem interval in crime scene investigation.
authors: Hacettepe University, School of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. alirizat@hacettepe.edu.tr
authors: Ali Riza
authors: AR
authors: Tumer
authors: Emre
authors: E
authors: Karacaoglu
authors: Ayten
authors: A
authors: Namli
authors: Alper
authors: A
authors: Keten
authors: Shima
authors: S
authors: Farasat
authors: Ramazan
authors: R
authors: Akcan
authors: Osman
authors: O
authors: Sert
authors: Aysun Balseven
authors: AB
authors: Odabaşi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002048:Burial; D002119:Calcium Carbonate / Q000032:analysis; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis; D004175:Diptera; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004772:Entomology; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D023421:Models, Animal; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis; D010744:Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases / Q000032:analysis; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry*; D013552:Swine; D014510:Urease / Q000032:analysis; D001617:beta-Glucosidase / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D012987:Soil; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D010744:Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases; D001617:beta-Glucosidase; D014510:Urease; D002119:Calcium Carbonate; D009584:Nitrogen