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Decompositional odor analysis database.

Arpad A Vass1, Rob R Smith, Cyril V Thompson

  • 1Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Research Scientist, Life Sciences Division, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6101, USA.

Journal of Forensic Sciences
|August 20, 2004
PubMed
Summary
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Researchers established a Decompositional Odor Analysis (DOA) Database to develop a portable chemical sensor for detecting buried human remains, mimicking canine olfaction. This database identifies volatile compounds from decomposition, aiding in locating shallow graves.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Anthropology

Background:

  • Cadaver dogs are crucial for locating buried human remains.
  • Current detection methods lack portability and specificity.
  • A need exists for objective, field-deployable human decomposition detection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish the Decompositional Odor Analysis (DOA) Database.
  • To develop a man-portable chemical sensor mimicking canine olfaction for detecting clandestine burial sites.
  • To identify chemical "odor signatures" of human decomposition.

Main Methods:

  • Air samples collected using triple sorbent traps (TSTs) from graves of four individuals.
  • Analysis of volatile compounds liberated below, above, and at the surface of shallow graves (0.45-1.0 m deep).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Database development covering the first 1.5 years of decomposition.

    • Main Results:

    • Identification of 424 specific volatile compounds across eight major chemical classes associated with decomposition.
    • Characterization of chemical trends and semi-quantitation of volatiles over time.
    • Establishment of a "living" database of decompositional odors.

    Conclusions:

    • This research is a foundational step towards creating an "odor signature" for human decomposition.
    • Findings will inform cadaver dog training protocols.
    • The study supports the development of field-portable analytical instruments for locating buried human remains.