Identifier

etd-07102009-110514

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Geography and Anthropology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Three 80-pound pigs used as human models were sealed inside 55-gallon black metal drums to monitor the rates and stages of decomposition of concealed, child-sized remains. Visual assessments of the anaerobic decomposition processes in each of the drums for Pigs A and B were possible through a Lexan window installed on each drums’ lid. The third pig—Pig C—was placed inside a drum with four one-half-inch holes permitting insect access and oriented in north, south, east, and west positions around the drum’s upper perimeter. Visual assessments of Pig C were made by lifting the drum’s lid; these assessments revealed that the maggots inside were capable of surviving the intense Louisiana heat by moving in unison in the opposite direction of the sun. As expected, Pig C decomposed to a skeleton at an accelerated rate, while the liquefied remains in the barrel continued a series of dramatic changes over a six-month period. After 33 days, the lid was removed from Barrel B and blow flies immediately flocked to the recently unsealed drum. Despite the blow flies’ ability to colonize Pig B, the decompositional changes witnessed for Pig C were not seen. Pig A remained sealed in its barrel and stages of decomposition in an airtight container were assessed. All three pigs were monitored daily for six months. The only similarity in decomposition observed among Pigs A, B, and C was intestinal expulsion, which involved the intact organs resting on top of each pig outside the body. Additionally, when Barrel B was opened, two fetal pigs were placed on the ground to compare their faunal succession to that of Pig B. Insects associated with the barrel pigs and the fetal pigs were collected and identified. Chrysomya megacephala was documented, collected, and recorded as being established in Louisiana for the first time. Cochliomyia macellaria was the predominant species overall.

Date

2009

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Manhein, Mary H

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.2527

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