Date of Submission
5-10-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Advisor
Robert H. Powers
Keywords
post-mortem interval, gas chromatography mas spectrometry, volatile compounds, suspicious death investigation
LCSH
forensic sciences, Gas chromatography--Forensic applications, Volatile organic compounds--Biodegradation, criminal investigation
Abstract
The accurate estimation of time since death, also known as the post-mortem interval (PMI) can be a critical aspect of suspicious death investigations. Current methods for PMI estimation are subjective, relying on such observations as rigor and algor mortis, death scene appearance, body temperature, stomach contents etc. Recent efforts to establish an analytical method of PMI estimation have relied on gaseous collection of volatile compounds to relate the time and rate of appearance of such compounds, to PMI.This study attempted to establish an analytical method for PMI estimation using a liquid-based tissue extraction and subsequent analysis with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). An ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extraction from a ground beef homogenate was analyzed by GC-MS and the relationships between peak heights at 0, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours were recorded. Those peak heights were compared with one another to explore the temporal relationship of the appearance of volatile compounds during decomposition. The liquid-based extraction proved practical and effective, and the analysis of the ratios between volatiles suggested a reproducible analytical method for estimating PMI.
Recommended Citation
Dansinger, Shoshanna, "Volatile Generation during Autolysis and its relation to Post-Mortem Interval" (2024). Honors Theses. 83.
https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/honorstheses/83