Molecular analysis of the impact of cadaver burial on the soil environment and the implications for forensic investigation

Abstract

Following death, in the absence of any impeding environmental factors, a cadaver will begin to decay after approximately 4 minutes. Fuelled by the nutrient rich fluids released by autolysis, microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and protozoa), derived largely from the intestinal tract, proceed to consume the soft tissue of the cadaver giving rise to the process known as putrefaction. One of the major processes known to occur during this period is the decomposition of adipose tissue. At 60-85%, lipids constitute the largest proportion of adipose tissue and between 90-99% of this lipid fraction comprises triacylglycerols.