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Related Experiment Videos

Using ninhydrin to detect gravesoil.

David O Carter1, David Yellowlees, Mark Tibbett

  • 1School of Pharmacy and Molecular Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia. dcarter2@unl.edu

Journal of Forensic Sciences
|March 28, 2008
PubMed
Summary
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Locating buried remains is crucial in death investigations. Research shows cadaver burial significantly increases soil ninhydrin reactive nitrogen (NRN), a potential indicator for identifying clandestine graves.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Soil Chemistry
  • Decomposition Studies

Background:

  • Death scene investigations can be hampered by unknown body locations.
  • Locating remains or decomposition sites is essential for evidence recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the hypothesis that mammalian cadaver burial releases ninhydrin reactive nitrogen (NRN) into soil.
  • To evaluate NRN as a potential tool for identifying clandestine graves.

Main Methods:

  • Juvenile rat cadavers were buried in three Australian tropical savanna soil types.
  • Decomposition occurred over 28 days.
  • Soil samples were collected and analyzed for NRN concentration.

Main Results:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Cadaver burial led to an approximate doubling of soil NRN levels (mean increase of 1.7 ± 0.1).
  • NRN concentration in soil significantly increased post-burial.

    • Conclusions:

    • The release of NRN into soil following cadaver burial shows potential as a presumptive test for clandestine graves.
    • Further research could enhance the application of NRN analysis in forensic investigations.