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                            Library & Multimedia
 Spatial Impacts of a Multi-Individual Grave on Microbial and Microfaunal Communities and Soil Biogeochemistry
NCJ Number
              254317
Journal

*PLoS ONE* Volume: 13 Issue: 12 Dated: 2018
Author(s)
          Sarah W. Keenan;
                        Alexandra L. Emmons;
                        Lois S. Taylor;
                        Gary Phillips;
                        Allison R. Mason;
                        Amy Z. Mundorff;
                        Ernest C. Barnard;
                        Jan Davoren;
                        Jennifer M. DeBruyn
Date Published

2018
Length
              12 pages
Annotation
              This study assessed the impact of human decomposition in a multi-individual, shallow (~70 cm depth) grave on soil biogeochemistry and soil microbial and nematode communities.
Abstract
              Three individuals were interred and allowed to decay for 4 years. Soils were collected from two depths (05 and 30-35 cm) along linear transects radiating from the grave as well as from within and below (85-90 cm depth) the grave during excavation to assess how decomposition affects soil properties. Along radiating surface transects, several extracellular enzymes rates and nematode richness increased with increasing distance from the grave, and likely reflect physical site disruption due to grave excavation and infill. There was no evidence of carcass-sourced C and N lateral migration from the grave, at least at 30-35 cm depth. Within the grave, soils exhibited significant N-enrichment (e.g., ammonium, dissolved organic N), elevated electrical conductivity, and elevated respiration rates with depth. Soil biogeochemistry within the grave, particularly in the middle (30-35 cm) and base (70-75 cm depth), was significantly altered by human decomposition. Mean microbial gene abundances changed with depth in the grave, demonstrating increased microbial presence in response to ongoing decomposition. Human-associated Bacteroides were only detected at the base of the grave where anoxic conditions prevailed. Nematode community abundance and richness were reduced at 70-75 cm and not detectable below 85-90 cm. Further, the analysis identified certain Plectus spp. as potential indicators of enrichment due to decomposition. This project demonstrated that human decomposition influences soil biogeochemistry, microbes, and microfauna up to 4 years after burial. (publisher abstract modified)
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        2017-R2-CX-0008
                                2016-DN-BX-0178


  
  
        
  Agencies
        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Research (Applied/Empirical)
                                Report (Study/Research)
                                Report (Grant Sponsored)


  
  
        
  Award
        Establishing a Rank Order for Skeletal Element Sampling:  Examining Differential DNA Yield Rates Among and Between Buried Human Skeletal Elements as Compared to Surface Recovered Skeletal Elements
                                Soil fungal and nematode community changes as a methodology for determining long-term postmortem interval after cadaver mass loss
    
  
  
Date Published: January 1, 2018
    
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