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Mangesh Dhore,
Tanavi Chadurkar,
Samiksha Khilari,
Abhaya Bhople,
Qurratul Ain Kausar Ansari,
- HoD, Department of Forensic Science and Chemistry, G. H. Raisoni University, Amravati, Maharashtra, India
- Student, Department of Forensic Science, G. H. Raisoni University, Amravati, Maharashtra, India
- Student, Department of Forensic Science, G. H. Raisoni University, Amravati, Maharashtra, India
- Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Science, G. H. Raisoni University, Amravati, Maharashtra, India
- Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Science, G. H. Raisoni University, Amravati, Maharashtra, India
Abstract
This scientific research explores the impact that the decay of an animal may have on soil. In particular, a carcass of a pig was buried to observe how its decomposition affects different soil parameters. Soil samples were taken at two different points to evaluate changes caused by decomposition: one before burying and another one twenty-five to twenty-six days later. The goal of the experiment was to investigate how decomposition affects the chemical, physical, and microbial soil properties. Laboratory test analysis was conducted for both samples: microbial tests, soil pH value analysis, soil nutrition and soil texture evaluation. As the result, there was evidence of significant differences between the two soil samples. From a forensic perspective, understanding these decomposition-induced soil shifts provides critical methodology for locating clandestine grave sites through distinct chemical and microbial markers. Furthermore, tracking precise changes in soil pH, nutrient surges, and microbial community succession creates a biochemical clock to help estimate the Post-Mortem Interval (PMI) and time since burial. These detailed soil profiles also yield valuable trace evidence, enabling investigators to link suspects, footwear, or tools to a specific burial scene. Additionally, defining these parameters helps forensic taphonomists differentiate natural soil variations from deliberate burial disturbances. Ultimately, incorporating soil biogeochemistry into crime scene analysis strengthens evidence reliability and enhances overall forensic reconstruction.
Keywords: Geotaphonomy, Sus scrofa domesticus, Decomposition, Forensic Taphonomy, Soil Biogeochemistry
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Emerging Trends in Metabolites
| Volume | 03 | |
| 02 | ||
| Received | 30/09/2026 | |
| Accepted | 08/10/2026 | |
| Published | 10/10/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 10 Days |