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An Analysis of Systematic Elemental Changes in Decomposing Bone.

Steven J Walden1,2, Jacqui Mulville2, Jeffrey P Rowlands1

  • 1School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3XQ, UK.

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|March 16, 2017
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Elemental analysis of bone decomposition shows changes in iron, sodium, and potassium concentrations over 140 days. This elemental profiling may help determine time since deposition in forensic investigations.

Keywords:
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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Biogeochemistry
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Bone decomposition analysis is crucial for forensic investigations.
  • Understanding elemental changes in bone aids in determining time since deposition.
  • Porcine bone serves as a reliable model for human bone decomposition studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate compositional changes in bone during decomposition.
  • To assess the potential of elemental profiling for forensic applications.
  • To correlate elemental changes with time since deposition.

Main Methods:

  • Elemental concentrations in porcine bone were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES).
  • Bone samples were subjected to shallow burial and surface deposition for 140 days, with analyses at 28-day intervals.
  • Key elements analyzed included barium, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus.

Main Results:

  • Significant changes in iron, sodium, and potassium concentrations were observed over the 140-day decomposition period.
  • These elemental changes are linked to dehydration and alterations in bone's protein and fluid content.
  • Elemental profiling demonstrated potential as a forensic tool for early decomposition stage determination.

Conclusions:

  • Elemental profiling of bone shows promise for forensic applications, particularly in estimating time since deposition.
  • Changes in specific elemental concentrations (Fe, Na, K) correlate with decomposition progression and dehydration.
  • Further development of ICP-OES elemental profiling could enhance forensic science capabilities.