The effect of burial in containers filled with naturally occurring soil and mine tailings on decomposition : a porcine pilot study

Abstract

Due to the complexity of the decomposition process and all the variables affecting it, there are many factors that have not been thoroughly examined. The impact of different soil types on decomposition of buried remains has received relatively little attention. This study sought to investigate the impact of three soil types on decomposition. Fourteen piglet carcasses were used to assess and compare the decomposition patterns and rates that take place in dolomite and quartzite (two soil types common in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa), as well as in tailings from gold mines (another common feature in southern Johannesburg). Each piglet was buried in a container filled with one of these soil types (four for Dolomite, five for quartzite and mine tailings) and was periodically partially exhumed to record Total Body Score progression as thermal energy (measured in Accumulated Degree Days) accumulated. Soil samples were also taken to record the soil’s water content and pH level. The decomposition of the dolomite and mine tailing-interred piglets was found to differ significantly, with the latter progressing more rapidly. Dolomite was also consistently the soil type with the lowest water content and the least pH fluctuation, while quartzite had the highest water content and the most significant changes in pH over the course of the experiment. While this study has experimental limitations, it provides novel results that will help forensic practitioners understand subterranean decomposition in South Africa, and possibly other countries with similar climates and soil types.