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Collection and identification of human remains volatiles by non-contact, dynamic airflow sampling and SPME-GC/MS using various sorbent materials

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Abstract

Human remains detection canines are used in locating deceased humans in diverse scenarios and environments based on odor produced during the decay process of the human body. It has been established that human remains detection canines are capable of locating human remains specifically, as opposed to living humans or animal remains, thus suggesting a difference in odor between the different sources. This work explores the collection and determination of such odors using a dynamic headspace concentration device. The airflow rate and three sorbent materials—Dukal cotton gauze, Johnson & Johnson cotton-blend gauze, and polyester material—used for odor collection were evaluated using standard compounds. It was determined that higher airflow rates and openly woven material, e.g., Dukal cotton gauze, yielded significantly less total volatile compounds due to compound breakthrough through the sorbent material. Collection from polymer- and cellulose-based materials demonstrated that the molecular backbone of the material is a factor in compound collection as well. Volatiles, including cyclic and straight-chain hydrocarbons, organic acids, sulfides, aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols, were collected from a population of 27 deceased bodies from two collection locations. The common compounds between the subjects were compared and the odor profiles were determined. These odor profiles were compared with those of animal remains and living human subjects collected in the same manner. Principal component analysis showed that the odor profiles of the three sample types were distinct.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. Abuzar Kabir for his thoughtful insights and contributions in the preparation of this manuscript. The authors would also like to thank Barbara Weakley-Jones, the Office of the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner, and Borden Cremation Services for access to their resources for this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Forensic Research Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 S.W. 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA

    Lauryn E. DeGreeff & Kenneth G. Furton

  2. College of Arts and Sciences, Florida International University, ECS 450, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA

    Kenneth G. Furton

Authors
  1. Lauryn E. DeGreeff
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  2. Kenneth G. Furton
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Correspondence to Kenneth G. Furton.

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DeGreeff, L.E., Furton, K.G. Collection and identification of human remains volatiles by non-contact, dynamic airflow sampling and SPME-GC/MS using various sorbent materials. Anal Bioanal Chem 401, 1295–1307 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-011-5167-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-011-5167-0

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