The understanding of how different environmental burials may affect the decomposition rate of human remains
Masters Thesis
Harrison, H. 2020. The understanding of how different environmental burials may affect the decomposition rate of human remains. Masters Thesis Canterbury Christ Church University School of Psychology and Life Science
Authors | Harrison, H. |
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Type | Masters Thesis |
Abstract | Human taphonomy, within a forensic setting, explores the decomposition of human remains. This field has proved highly valuable within the criminal justice system, where some high-profile cases have included Naya Rivera amongst others. However, within a practical setting there are multiple different environments encountered within forensic practice which introduce individual limitations. Of primary concern are burial environments. The purpose of the study was to explore how different burial environments affected the decomposition process. In order to understand this limitation a study was set up whereby pig was used as an analogue for human decomposition with this being placed within seven different burial environments specifically, sand, soil and water (chapter three), over a four-week burial period. The study found that the epidermis, adipose, muscle and weight of the meat sample were the primary factors varying during the decomposition process. Where certain environments showed to have an accelerated effect on decomposition (chapter three). |
Keywords | Environmental burials; Decomposition rate; Human remains |
Year | 2020 |
File | File Access Level Open |
Supplemental file | File Access Level Restricted |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 28 Feb 2022 |
https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/item/90878/the-understanding-of-how-different-environmental-burials-may-affect-the-decomposition-rate-of-human-remains
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