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. 2024 May;138(3):1109-1116.
doi: 10.1007/s00414-023-03132-9. Epub 2023 Nov 24.

Luminol and the postmortem interval estimation - influence of taphonomic factors

Catarina Ermida  1 , Eugénia Cunha  2   3 , Maria Teresa Ferreira  2
Affiliations

Luminol and the postmortem interval estimation - influence of taphonomic factors

Catarina Ermida et al. Int J Legal Med. 2024 May.

Abstract

The estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is one of the key challenges for forensic anthropologists. Although there are several methods referenced for this purpose, none is sufficiently effective. One of the main reasons justifying the complexity of this task is the influence of several taphonomic factors.The study of the Luminol technique has stood out as a promising method for estimating PMI, complementing the existing methods, since it is an economic, easy and reproducible method that operates as a presumptive test. However, it is not known which taphonomic factors can influence the results obtained by this technique.The aim of this study is to test the influence of taphonomic factors, such as temperature, humidity, soil type and pH, on the estimation of the PMI by the Luminol technique.In order to test the influence of the referred factors, a sample consisting of 30 clavicles, with known and similar PMI, collected from autopsies, was distributed as evenly as possible by six vases and buried with different decomposition conditions for a period of 12 months. After the exhumation and sample preparation, the Luminol technique was applied.It was possible to clearly observe differences in the results. Thus, according to our research, it is possible to conclude that the results obtained by the application of Luminol are influenced by taphonomic factors. Therefore, the context in which a body is found should always be considered for applying this technique.

Keywords: Forensic anthropology; Influencing factors; Luminol; Postmortem interval; Taphonomy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Burned clavicles in the electric muffle: a 400 °C for 30 min; b 700 °C for 60 min
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Mapping of the experience: 1 — sandy soil outdoor; 2 — COMPO SANA pH 4 outdoor; 3 — COMPO SANA pH 4 indoor; 4 — universal substrate pH 6.9 outdoor; 5 — sandy soil indoor; 6 — universal substrate pH 6.9 indoor; formula image — greenhouse; formula image — burned at 400 °C, 30 min; formula image — burned at 700 °C, 60 min; formula image — data logger
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Disposition of the experience
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Luminol application results, according to Fig. 2 mapping: vase 1 — sandy soil outdoor; vase 2 — COMPO SANA pH 4 outdoor; vase 3 — COMPO SANA pH 4 indoor; vase 4 — universal substrate pH 6.9 outdoor; vase 5 – sandy soil indoor; vase 6 — universal substrate pH 6.9 indoor
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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