Pyrolysis gas chromatography - mass spectrometry analysis for the estimation of pig bone age for forensic application

Abstract

The potential of pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GCMS ) as a tool for the estimation of post-mortem age of bones has been investigated. Pig bone specimens prepared under controlled burial conditions in soil were studied and the post-mortem ages ranged from 3 to 48 months. Notable differences were observed in the data produced for younger bone specimens (<1 year) compared to specimens of greater post-mortem age (>1 year). Py-GCMS also demonstrates a relationship of particular peak ratios with the age of bones. The ratios of peaks in the pyrograms were examined and it was demonstrated that the ratios of certain pairs of peaks increase as the bone age increases.