Assessment of Decomposition rates and patterns of Sus scrofa remains deposited in different Micro-environments of Southern Guinea Savannah of Okuku, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Decomposition dynamics are one of the most important aspects of forensic taphonomy, especially when it comes to the estimation of postmortem interval and thereby aiding criminal investigations.

Aim: This research aimed at assessing decay rates and patterns of Sus scrofa domestica, across different microenvironments.

Methods: This study comprised of fourteen (14) porcines, weighing between 34-35kg, all male, subjected to same mode of death (blunt force neck trauma), and immediately death was confirmed, Two carrions were kept in open surface naked and clothed one each, buried clothed and unclothed (5 each), one kept in water and the remaining one left inside the make shift house in the research facility for for 30 days duration to observe outcome of total body score and accumulated degree days.

Results: The results showed that decomposition rates varied significantly (P<0.01) across micro-environments. The clothed surface carrion decomposed faster followed by housed, open earth surface naked, submerged, burial clothed and buried naked respectively, as recorded in TBS values.  Oxygen availability, temperature, access by insects, and higher soil moisture, as well as adipocere development and maggot activity significantly influenced decay dynamics across micro-environments.

Conclusion: This study outcome showed that different depositional environments impact differently on decay rates, which is very important to a forensic anatomist carrying out forensic investigations involving prediction of postmortem interval, biological profiling and disaster victim identification.