5103 - Human Decomposition
Sarah Langer - Lakefield District SS

Abstract

Introduction:
Much is known about some variables affect the rate of human decomposition, including temperature, moisture, animals, insects, etc. However, there is little information on how salinity in water effects the rate of decomposition. This lack of available information was the determining factor for my choice to conduct this investigation. Pig tissue was chosen due to its similarity to human tissue, and the purpose of this study was to explain the rate of decomposition and the stages of decomposition of pig tissue.
Method:
Four pigs legs from toe to hock were used in this investigation to get a more secure outcome. Pigs were chosen as specimen because pigs are most like humans in fat distribution, and this study was to be compared to human decomposition. Two of the specimen were placed in a container filled with fresh filtered tap water, and the other two were placed in another container with water from the same source that had saline solution added to mimic the saline conditions of an ocean. The containers were kept at the same temperature to each other, away from other contaminates, and were observed for forty-two days to obtain a conclusive result.
Problem:
1) Does the rate of decomposition in salt water differ from the rate of decomposition in fresh water.
2) Do the stages of decomposition in salt water differ from the rate stages of decomposition in fresh water?
Hypothesis:
1) The rate of decomposition in fresh water will be greater than the rate of decomposition in salt water.
2) The stages of decomposition will be the same in salt water and fresh water.
Results:
This study indicated that the rate of decomposition in fresh water was greater than the rate of decomposition in salt water. Decomposition in fresh water occurred 1.8 times faster that the rate of decomposition in salt water. Hypothesis one is confirmed in this investigation. The stages of decomposition proved to be the same of pig tissue in both salt water and fresh water. Hypothesis two, which was based on my prior research, is proven to be correct in the study, and is accepted.
Further Studies:
The next step in this investigation would be to confirm these discoveries by repeating the study. A large gap could be filled in this area of study. A large gap could be filled in this area of forensic science by studying the role of temperature on decomposition in salt water.