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Forensic Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds from Decomposed Remains in a Soil Environment

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Soil in Criminal and Environmental Forensics

Part of the book series: Soil Forensics ((SOFO))

Abstract

The detection of clandestine graves or concealed remains can pose a challenge to investigators. Research into the chemical signatures of decomposition, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can aid in the development of improved methods for the detection of remains and can further the understanding of decomposition processes. Over the last decade a number of studies have investigated decomposition VOCs from a variety of soil environments. However due to the variety of environments and methods used during these investigations a consistent odour signature remains elusive. This paper will discuss the complexity of decomposition odour and the current knowledge base of decomposition VOCs within soil environments including the impact of the entire death assemblage on the production of VOCs. The use of advanced instrumentation such as comprehensive two dimensional gas chromatography – time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the characterisation of decomposition odour is proposed. Incorporating advanced instrumentation and data handling tools into the analysis of decomposition odour will facilitate the comparison of odour profiles and generation of a consistent decomposition odour signature.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe St N., Oshawa, ON, L1H 7K4, Canada

    Sonja Stadler

  2. Organic and Biological Analytical Chemistry Group – CART, Chemistry Department, University of Liège, Allée du six aout, Quartier Agora 11, B6c Sart-Tilman, B-4000, Liège, Belgium

    Jean-François Focant

  3. University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe St N., Oshawa, ON, L1H 7K4, Canada

    Shari L. Forbes

  4. University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, 123, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia

    Shari L. Forbes

Authors
  1. Sonja Stadler
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  2. Jean-François Focant
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  3. Shari L. Forbes
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shari L. Forbes .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Fac. of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Henk Kars

  2. Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands

    Lida van den Eijkel

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Stadler, S., Focant, JF., Forbes, S.L. (2016). Forensic Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds from Decomposed Remains in a Soil Environment. In: Kars, H., van den Eijkel, L. (eds) Soil in Criminal and Environmental Forensics. Soil Forensics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33115-7_19

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