A review of forensic applications of physicochemical parameters of soil beneath decomposed cadavers

• Published in: Journal of the Canadian Society of Forensic Science
• Main Author: Singh S.; Yong S.K.; Rahimi R.; Singh M.K.C.; Heo C.C.
• Format: Review
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor and Francis Ltd. 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85153777592&doi=10.1080%2f00085030.2023.2172129&partnerID=40&md5=32969624d2ac94a0bf26c26e2a25a870

Soil and its many attributes are often used to assist the police or environmental investigators involved in crime scene investigation, exhumation, and even linking a suspect to a crime scene. Soil consists of organic and inorganic compounds, water, and air at different compositions and concentrations. These unique soil features may serve as useful evidence in forensic investigations. Soil parameters can individually or cumulatively act as identification markers or aid in supporting other evidence in criminal investigations. The soil might link an individual to a crime scene as soil can be transferred to the suspect’s footwear, tires, or clothes. This evidence indirectly correlates to the presence or absence of the person at the crime scene. This review article highlights the application of various soil physicochemical parameters in solving forensic cases. Furthermore, we have summarised the results of 74 research articles related to forensic soil chemistry published from the year 1985 to 2021. In this review manuscript, a literature search was performed in Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, and google search with thorough assessment based on their content and significance. This article aims to review papers on the physicochemical parameters of soil which include soil pH, electrical conductivity, moisture content, soil extractable phosphorus, total carbon, total nitrogen, soil extractable ammonium and nitrate, soil colour and soil texture beneath carcasses placed on soil surface as well as buried in graves. © 2023 Canadian Society of Forensic Science.