Date of Award
Spring 5-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department/Program
Forensic Science
Language
English
First Advisor or Mentor
Dr. Angelique Corthals
Second Reader
Dr. Marta Concheiro-Guisán
Third Advisor
Dr. Shari Forbes
Abstract
Adipocere is a wax-like crust that has the potential to form over corpses in moist, humid, and anaerobic environments, preserving them in a process similar to that of mummification. The substance can be identified within 3-6 months postmortem and is characterized by the ratio of saturated fatty acids to unsaturated fatty acids. Palmitic acid and stearic acid are the most abundant in comparison to myristic and oleic acids. The goal of this study was to investigate factors affecting adipocere formation in different aqueous environments. Pork belly samples were submerged in water samples collected from different places around New York City and Long Island. Some samples were allowed direct exposure to the environment where others were wrapped in a plastic bag to simulate a forensic scenario. After 6 months of collection, samples with direct exposure were in an intermediate stage of adipocere formation, whereas bagged samples were at a stage of decomposition. NMR spectra were consistent with the spectra of the three acids. Histological analysis of adipocere samples yielded a change from tightly packed tissue to a spacious lattice network of adipose and oxidized fats where the decomposing samples mostly contained stretched sinew and slowly decomposing muscle.
Recommended Citation
Sorrentino, Mia M., "A Qualitative NMR and Histological Analysis of Adipocere Formation in Different Aqueous Environments using Sus Scrofa Models" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/340
Included in
Forensic Biology Commons, Other Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology Commons, Other Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons
