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The Search for a Volatile Human Specific Marker in the Decomposition Process.

E Rosier1, S Loix1, W Develter2

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.

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Summary

Researchers identified specific volatile organic compounds released during decomposition. A unique combination of 8 compounds distinguished human and pig remains from other animals, aiding forensic investigations.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Decomposition of remains releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
  • Identifying specific VOCs can aid in distinguishing between human and animal remains.
  • Current methods for identifying remains can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify VOCs released during the decomposition of human and animal remains.
  • To find specific VOC markers that can differentiate human remains from animal remains.
  • To explore the potential for developing new forensic identification tools.

Main Methods:

  • A validated method using thermal desorption coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
  • Analysis of VOCs from 6 human and 26 animal remains over 6 months in a laboratory setting.
  • Principle component analysis (PCA) was employed to identify distinguishing compounds.

Main Results:

  • A total of 452 VOCs were identified during decomposition.
  • A panel of 8 VOCs (ethyl propionate, propyl propionate, propyl butyrate, ethyl pentanoate, pyridine, diethyl disulfide, methyl(methylthio)ethyl disulfide, and 3-methylthio-1-propanol) distinguished human and pig remains from other animals.
  • Five specific esters differentiated pig remains from human remains.

Conclusions:

  • Specific VOC profiles can differentiate between human and animal decomposition.
  • The identified VOC markers show promise for developing more efficient cadaver dog training or portable detection devices.
  • Further research with full bodies is needed to corroborate these findings and identify definitive human-specific markers.