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Abstract

This dissertation aims to investigate how changes in body temperature affect the rate of decomposition once submerged underwater. Even though comprehending this kind of breakdown is important, there is currently a lack of research that can be applied to this topic area as well as various areas within the UK. Consequently, postmortem interval (PMI) estimates are imprecise. Despite aquatic decomposition scoring (ADS) systems, such as the one developed by Heaton, Lagden, Moffatt, and Simmons (2010), making an effort to quantify this process, latitudinally and longitudinally, decay varies. Using field-based observations, three rat cadavers were submerged underwater in clear plastic boxes and left to decompose. 24 hours prior to this, all three samples were originally left in different locations which varied in temperature; one outside, one in a room temperature container and one in a freezer. Results were collected biweekly and each sample had its own Total Aquatic Decomposition Score (TADS) after every visit. These results demonstrated that the sample left in the freezer prior to submersion had a slower rate of decomposition compared to the other two samples. This was consistent with existing literature. Analysis of the temperature data between the internal temperature of the cadaver and the outside temperature demonstrated a direct relationship, providing no abnormalities that could affect the results. Comparatively, the environmental temperature could be a factor for the frozen samples' slower decomposition rate as it could have been affected by the cooler temperatures outside. Furthermore, entomological evidence, although limited, indicated the presence of two species of blowflies, Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and either Calliphora vomitoria or Helicoboscinae sp, though their impact on decomposition was minimal due to the underwater environment and enclosed container. Overall, the study concludes that temperature does affect the PMI even when submerged underwater and emphasises the importance of more research in this area.

Course: Criminology and Forensic Studies - BSc (Hons) - C2039F

Date Deposited: 2024-11-21

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14546.html