Comparative Analysis of Methods for Forensic Maceration

Mickaella Rios

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: Hennings College of Science Mathematics and Technology

Major: BS.BIO/FORENS/SCI

Faculty Research Mentor: Voulgari, Myrsini  

Abstract:

Maceration is the process of gently removing soft tissue from skeletal material to analyze the bone more clearly. This process is very important in forensic science, as most skeletal remains found are not completely clean. Preferred methods of macerations include soaking the remains in water and hydrogen peroxide, but these methods take a long time and produce large amounts of chemical waste. In recent years, there has been a push for quicker, more efficient, and more environmentally safe methods of maceration that can be performed across many professions in forensics. This study serves to compare various methods of forensic maceration in published literature, where comparative analysis is used to determine the best method.A survey was conducted where six body farms in the U.S.A were interviewed. The body farms interviewed were the University of Tennessee, Western Carolina University, Texas State University, Sam Houston State University, Southern Illinois University, and Colorado Mesa University. These universities are all certified in human donations and therefore conduct maceration on human remains. The interview was centered around what methods each body farm used for maceration, and which of those methods was the most efficient based on their research. The responses from the body farms and the methods published in literature were compared to establish the best method for forensic maceration.Keywords: forensic science, maceration, body farms, bone, forensic anthropology