[Biodegradation of Carcasses in Aquatic Biocoenoses]

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Marine Biology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death, often complicated by challenges in recovering and identifying submerged remains.
• Aquatic decomposition differs significantly from terrestrial decomposition due to factors like temperature, oxygen, depth, and necrophagous organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the complexities of aquatic decomposition and its impact on forensic investigations.
• To highlight the role of environmental factors and biological agents in the degradation of submerged human remains.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on aquatic decomposition processes.
• Analysis of the influence of environmental variables (temperature, oxygen, depth) on decomposition rates.
• Identification of key biological agents (invertebrates, fish, microorganisms) involved in soft tissue degradation and skeletonization in marine and freshwater environments.

Main Results:

• Aquatic decomposition follows a nonlinear trajectory, influenced by environmental conditions and the activity of necrophagous organisms.
• Marine decomposition involves crustaceans, fish, and invertebrates leading to skeletonization, followed by colonization by fouling organisms and bioerosion (e.g., *Osedax*).
• Freshwater decomposition involves leeches, flatworms, insects, and crustaceans, facilitating complete organic material recycling.

Conclusions:

• The variability in aquatic decomposition rates, ranging from days to months, complicates the estimation of the postmortem submersion interval.
• Biological indicators, such as the developmental stage of barnacles, can aid in estimating the postmortem submersion interval.
• Further research into aquatic decomposition is essential for improving identification and recovery efforts in drowning cases.