Evaluation of the potential influence of biogeoclimatic condition on the environmental impact of carrion decomposition.

The natural process of terrestrial decomposition leads to the release of chemical and biological by-products into the surrounding soil. It is largely unknown how regional variations in climate, fauna and flora influence the environmental impacts experienced from the leaching of these products. The following project aims to evaluate if biogeoclimatic conditions play a significant role in the chemical and microbial changes observed in soils surrounding pig carcass decomposition. This will be accomplished by comparing the relationship dynamics of microbial activity and organic matter chemistry in soils from temperate and tropical decomposition research sites respectively located in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec and Honolulu, Hawaii. This comparative study can lead to the development of universally applicable measures for evaluating the environmental impact of body decomposition. Findings can further facilitate the improvement of soil forensic techniques used for time-since-death estimation and clandestine grave detection.

Faculty Supervisor:

Shari Forbes

Student:

Partner:

Chaminade University

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Life Sciences (not health); Environmental Science and Technology; Other

University:

Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

Program: