Review of human decomposition processes in soil

In-soil human decomposition is comprehensively described in terms of the physico-chemical and bacterial environmental conditions. Much of the understanding comes from considerations of cemetery studies and experimentation with adipocere. The understandings are relevant for further studies in cemeter...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental earth sciences 2004-02, Vol.45 (4), p.576-585
Main Authors: DENT, B. B, FORBES, S. L, STUART, B. H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anthropology
Decomposition
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics
Environmental conditions
Exact sciences and technology
Hydrogeology
Hydrology. Hydrogeology
Liquefaction
Microorganisms
Oxygen
Pollution, environment geology
Soils
Surficial geology
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Summary:In-soil human decomposition is comprehensively described in terms of the physico-chemical and bacterial environmental conditions. Much of the understanding comes from considerations of cemetery studies and experimentation with adipocere. The understandings are relevant for further studies in cemetery management, exhumations, forensic investigations and anthropology. In the soil, cadavers are subject to various sets of decomposition processes principally resulting from aerobic (usually the initial) or anaerobic (usually the sustaining) conditions. The presence of percolating groundwater and microorganisms further affects the rate of breakdown and fate of the products. The major human tissue components--protein, carbohydrate, fat and bone, are discussed; and the likely pathways of decomposition products enumerated. The effects of liquefaction, availability of oxygen and other in-grave processes are considered.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0943-0105
1866-6280
1432-0495
1866-6299
DOI:10.1007/s00254-003-0913-z