Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The study of decomposition chemistry is a relatively new area of research which investigates the chemical breakdown processes that occur in the body as decomposition proceeds. Research in this area requires an interdisciplinary approach focusing on analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and environmental science. By investigating the degradation processes which occur during the decomposition phase and their variation due to physiological factors and environmental parameters, the research aims to identify characteristic biochemical signatures using chromatographic techniques and multivariate statistics. The research has a minor application in the food science industry as many fermented or decomposed foods are subject to the risk of toxic contamination which presents serious health issues in society. A better understanding of the chemical degradation process of soft tissue can provide useful quality markers of fermented meats and other food products. The major application of this research is in the field of forensic science. One of the most important determinants to arise in a criminal investigation is the accurate determination of time since death of decomposed remains. Current methods for estimating this interval are unable to take into consideration both the physiological and environmental influence. Hence the provision of a method for estimating time since death which considers both physiological and environmental factors would greatly enhance the accuracy of estimations which is critical to the impartial outcome of civil, criminal and forensic cases.