Characterization of Different Colored Adicopere Tissues From Human Corpses.

Adipocere from tissue samples of corpses has been extensively analyzed in forensic science. The determining of time since death of adipocere loaded bodies remains an open question lacking systematic research on both formation and decomposition of adipocere. We sampled adipocere tissues during extensive series of exhumations from modern cemeteries. The material was very diverse in terms of color ranging from with, yellow to green and black. We presumed that each color represents a typical stage of adipocere decomposition. Accordingly, samples were separated into different pieces based on color. For characterization fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and d13C values were determined. Tissues under investigation were characterized by elevated levels of C-16:0 fatty acid and ranged between 51 and 71% of total fatty acids content as is typical for adipocere. Irrespective of color, C-14, C-16 and C-18 fatty acid methyl esters ratios were 1:8:2. The d13C values varied considerably and were similar to the modern adipocere. A maximum of d13C values was observed in the group ‘white’, and minimum at in the group ‘black’. These differences were interpreted as a result of proceeding (different?) decomposition processes.