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Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology
Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology 3/2015

01-09-2015 | Original Article

Detection of decomposition volatile organic compounds in soil following removal of remains from a surface deposition site

Authors: Katelynn A. Perrault, Pierre-Hugues Stefanuto, Barbara H. Stuart, Tapan Rai, Jean-François Focant, Shari L. Forbes

Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology | Issue 3/2015

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Abstract

Purpose

Cadaver-detection dogs use volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to search for human remains including those deposited on or beneath soil. Soil can act as a sink for VOCs, causing loading of decomposition VOCs in the soil following soft tissue decomposition. The objective of this study was to chemically profile decomposition VOCs from surface decomposition sites after remains were removed from their primary location.

Methods

Pig carcasses were used as human analogues and were deposited on a soil surface to decompose for 3 months. The remains were then removed from each site and VOCs were collected from the soil for 7 months thereafter and analyzed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC–TOFMS).

Results

Decomposition VOCs diminished within 6 weeks and hydrocarbons were the most persistent compound class. Decomposition VOCs could still be detected in the soil after 7 months using Principal Component Analysis.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the decomposition VOC profile, while detectable by GC×GC–TOFMS in the soil, was considerably reduced and altered in composition upon removal of remains. Chemical reference data is provided by this study for future investigations of canine alert behavior in scenarios involving scattered or scavenged remains.
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Metadata
Title
Detection of decomposition volatile organic compounds in soil following removal of remains from a surface deposition site
Authors
Katelynn A. Perrault
Pierre-Hugues Stefanuto
Barbara H. Stuart
Tapan Rai
Jean-François Focant
Shari L. Forbes
Publication date
01-09-2015
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology / Issue 3/2015
Print ISSN: 1547-769X
Electronic ISSN: 1556-2891
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-015-9693-5

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