The influence of rehydration on decomposition in the Highveld region of South Africa—Using a pig model

Author:

du Toit Claire Lynne1,Myburgh Jolandie2,Brits Desiré1

Affiliation:

1. Human Variation and Identification Research Unit, School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa

2. Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences University of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa

Abstract

AbstractResearchers have observed that rainfall may re‐initiate decomposition in desiccated tissue; however, no conclusive research‐based evidence exists on the specific effects of rehydration on decomposition. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of artificial rehydration on the progression of decomposition following the advanced stage of decomposition. Twelve adult pig cadavers (8 experimental; 4 controls) were placed in the central Highveld of South Africa during cooler (April–July 2021) and warmer (August–November 2021) months. Decomposition was scored approximately biweekly to obtain the total body score, and accumulated degree days (ADD) were calculated for each pig. All pig cadavers were covered by chicken wire cages with transparent tarps to control for natural rehydration and scavenging. Once the experimental pig cadavers reached a three‐visit stasis in the advanced phase of decomposition, they were artificially rehydrated, and changes in the progression of decomposition between the control and experimental groups were plotted (ADD against TBS) for observation. The rehydrated experimental pig cadavers showed re‐initiation of decay and insect re‐colonization, while the control cadavers mainly remained in a state of stasis with insect activity ceased altogether. Greater cadaver decomposition islands and a color change post‐rehydration were also noted in some experimental cadavers. This supports the need for future research on the impact of rehydration, including associated soil moisture on decomposition rates, progression, and invertebrate colonization, which will enhance our understanding of the effects these environmental factors have on the accuracy of post‐mortem interval estimation.

Funder

American Academy of Forensic Sciences

Publisher

Wiley

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