Analysis of lipids extracted from soil exposed to decomposing human remains

Decomposition is the dynamic process whereby a compound is disintegrated into its elementary constituents through physical, chemical and biological mechanisms. Matrices associated with decomposing human remains, such as soil, are an omnipresent source of physical evidence in forensic casework. Previous research has already emphazied the use of these matrices to evaluate their potential to capture time-dependent taphonomic data. The goal is to monitor the lipid profiles over time to establish whether lipids in soil can be used as biomarkers for estimations of the relative stage of decomposition. The investigation will involve lipid extraction and analysis of lipids extracted from soil samples collected from beneath decomposing human remains.

Faculty Supervisor:

Benoit Daoust

Student:

Partner:

University of Technology Sydney

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

Program: