A practical review of adipocere: Key findings, case studies and operational considerations from crime scene to autopsy

Preliminary Taphonomical Comparison of the Decomposition Process in Simple Burials, Traditional Tombs and Aerated Tombs in an Urban Cemetery in Northern Italy

“…The high aerobic and anaerobic microbiological activity promoted the fast breakdown of organic matter, and was also supported by the identification of initial patterns of bioerosion [34][35][36] in bone Haversian canals from 12 months onwards. In similar accordance with previous studies [7,11,37], entombment in ordinary tombs reaffirmed the trend towards the pervasive formation of adipocere, with no microstructure of soft tissues histologically recognizable after 12 months. Contrarily to both inhumation and aerated tombs, ordinary tombs feature a double coffin and act as closed systems, with virtually no exchange with the external environment, and create a humid microclimate that, in the absence of evaporation, causes slow weight loss.…”

“…Through an aerating system with a purifying filter, these tombs achieve the double purpose of maintaining the ventilation within the tomb and of processing the putrefactive fluids and gases separately. This system targets the two main disadvantages of sealed tombs: (1) the ineffective skeletonization of bodies due to lack of ventilation; and (2) the leakage of fluids and gases during decomposition, which promotes the formation of adipocere [11]. In aerated tombs, fluids are absorbed by Enzisalm ® (Ceabis), a biodegrading biological powder placed on the bottom of the coffin.…”

A retrospective comparative study to evaluate the reliability of post-mortem interval sources in UK and US medico-legal death investigations

“…The codes were as follows: 'early decomposition', 'moderate decomposition' (interchangeable with 'bloat' phase [7]), 'advanced decomposition', 'mummification', and 'skeletonization'. Adipocere, an alternative decomposition process characterised by the formation of a whitish-waxy substance produced during the saponification of fat tissue, was encompassed under the 'advanced decomposition' code due to its association with late-stage decomposition [21]. Cases exhibiting adipocere were determined when the investigator's report referenced adipocere.…”

“…However, estimating the PMI remains a significant challenge due to the pronounced effect of taphonomic variables manifested in the advanced decomposition stage which can also preclude identification of the deceased. Processes such as adipocere formation, that are associated with late-stage decomposition, further complicates PMI estimations by inhibiting putrefactive bacteria [21]. The missing persons PMI information is therefore, only valuable once the identity of the deceased has been confirmed.…”

Environmental conditions and bodily decomposition: Implications for long term management of war fatalities and the identification of the dead during the ongoing Ukrainian conflict

“…These materials may also contribute as a secondary or tertiary marker of identification. Footwear could assist in preservation of soft tissue through adipocere formation which may aid DNA identification [ 72 ]. Other clothing on the bodies such as gloves or winter hats are more likely to be made of natural textiles such as wool and will degrade with time if the bodies are left in their place of deposition, although the absorbance of decomposition fluid from the body will aid to slow the loss of natural or blended textiles [ [73] , [74] , [75] , [76] ].…”