Abstract:
A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted in order to investigate the effect of
the method of burial (i.e. the presence of coffin and clothing) on the formation of adipocere.
This study follows previous studies by the authors who have investigated the effect of
physical conditions on the formation of adipocere present in a controlled burial environment.
The study utilises infrared spectroscopy to provide a preliminary lipid profile of the remains
following a 12 month decomposition period. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry
was employed as a technique for determining the salts of fatty acids present in adipocere. Gas
chromatography – mass spectrometry was used as the confirmatory test for the identification
and determination of the chemical composition of adipocere which formed in the controlled
burial environments. The results suggest that coffins will retard the rate at which adipocere
forms but that clothing enhances its formation. The results concur with previous observations
on adipocere formation in burial environments.
