The effect of plastic bag containment of the head on the rate and pattern of decomposition

This study utilised 20 Sus scrofa domesticus to quantify the effect of a plastic bag covering the head on the rate and pattern of decomposition. A sample group of ten carcasses had plastic bags placed over the heads, with another ten carcasses acting as a control group, without a head covering. The carcasses were placed in an open field to decompose. Over the course of 52 days, data were collected bi-weekly on the rate and pattern of decomposition.The results show that a plastic bag covering the head of a carcass has an overall decreased effect on the rate of decomposition, compared to the control group. The decomposition pattern of head>trunk>limb in decreasing decomposition rate was not affected by the plastic bag; however, in comparison to the control group, the decomposition of the head and trunk regions differed significantly, while the limbs stayed unaffected. The heads of the sample group showed a decrease in decomposition rate, while the trunks showed an increase. This was deemed due to an increase in insect activity at the trunk and a decrease in activity at the head. An altered PMI calculation is provided.
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research