The Fate of Phosphorus in Experimental Burials: Chemical and Ultramicroscopic Characterization and Environmental Control of Its Persistency

The permanence of a buried body in soil always induces the formation decomposition island that can serve as significant recording location to understand how persistence clandestine grave affects soil. This study aims analyze elemental exchange from bodies soil, with focus on phosphorus content, and determine effects environmental factors its persistency. experiment was carried out using eleven swine carcasses an open site (northern Italy). analyses were performed Olsen P method, which allowed for recognition trend amount over time, due phospholipids, followed by transfer element bone Additionally, microanalyses scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS) two different sample specimens (i.e., “dust” “plug”) identification numerous phosphatic features coatings, infillings, impregnations, organo-mineral associations), are result interaction between fluids thus be used indicators former presence decomposing (even absence). ultramicroscopic analysis also shows increasing decreasing amounts P2O5 time could related conditions moisture), leaching induced percolation natural rainwater. underlines potential use these methods evaluate possibility cadaver–soil linkage assessing burial variable period. Moreover, may aid analyzing dynamics migration during after process.