What Are The Stages Of Decomposition?

Decomposition is the process by which organic matter breaks down and decays. Understanding the stages of decomposition is important in many fields, including forensic science, ecology, archaeology, and biology. By studying how bodies decompose, scientists can estimate time since death, locate clandestine graves, analyze past diets, and better understand the nutrient cycle in ecosystems.

There are four main stages of decomposition that a body will go through after death: fresh, bloat, active decay, and skeletonization. The length of each stage can vary dramatically depending on the environment, but the sequence remains the same. Let’s take a closer look at each stage of decomposition.

Fresh Stage (Autolysis)

The fresh stage, also known as autolysis, begins immediately after death. Autolysis is the self-digestion of cells due to enzymes being released when active metabolism stops at death.

During autolysis:

• Cells rupture and release their contents
• Proteins are broken down by enzymes
• Tissues start to become soft as fats turn into fatty acids and glycerol

Some of the main characteristics of the fresh stage include:

• Rigor mortis: the stiffening of muscles due to lack of ATP
• Algor mortis: the cooling of the body to ambient temperature
• Livor mortis: blood pooling in the lowest parts of the body
• Small blisters forming on the skin and tissues

The fresh stage of decomposition lasts around 24-72 hours. Insect activity is generally minimal during this initial stage.

Bloat Stage

The bloat stage is the second stage of decomposition. It is characterized by the buildup of gases that cause the body to swell and bloat.

Some key features of the bloat stage:

• Putrefaction: the anaerobic breakdown of proteins and fats by bacteria, producing gases like hydrogen sulfide, methane, cadaverine, and putrescine
• Distension of the abdomen due to accumulating gases
• Skin discoloration from the breakdown of blood
• Strong, unpleasant odors
• Insect activity increases as blowflies, flesh flies, and beetles are attracted to the corpse

The bloat stage typically begins around 3-5 days after death and can last for several weeks depending on conditions. The increased insect activity accelerates the rate of decomposition.

Active Decay Stage

The active decay stage is when the main breakdown and loss of body mass occurs.

Key characteristics of active decay include:

• Purging of decomposition fluids from body orifices
• Liquefaction and collapse of abdominal cavity
• Extensive maggot activity on the corpse
• Strong putrid odor attracts various scavengers

During active decay the body takes on a “sagging” appearance as skin and tissues liquefy. The body loses the most mass as organs, muscles, and tissues are consumed by maggots and bacteria.

Active decay generally begins around 10 days after death and can last for several months. The progression of active decay depends on temperature, access to the body by insects, and burial conditions if interred.

Advanced Decay (Skeletonization)

Skeletonization represents the final stages of decomposition. At this point most of the tissues have been consumed, leaving behind dry skin, cartilage, tendons, and bones.

• The remaining tissues become dry and leathery as they desiccate.
• Beetles and moths continue to feed on the drier flesh.
• Bones begin to disarticulate as ligaments decay.

The skeletonization stage can begin anytime from 6 months after death to several years. Factors like temperature, moisture, accessibility to scavengers, and burial conditions greatly impact the rate of skeletonization. In hot, humid climates with high scavenger activity, skeletonization can occur in weeks. In colder or arid conditions burial can result in natural mummification rather than complete skeletonization.

Factors That Affect Decomposition Rate

Many different factors influence and alter the rate of decomposition. Understanding how these variables impact decay is critical in estimating time since death and analyzing decomposing remains. Some key factors that affect the rate of decomposition:

Temperature

Higher temperatures accelerate chemical reactions and speed up decomposition. Cooler temperatures slow down decay.

Insect Activity

Maggots and carrion beetles rapidly consume soft tissues and hasten decomposition.

Humidity

Adequate moisture is conducive to decay. Very arid conditions can mummify remains.

Accessibility

Exposure to scavengers versus burial accelerates or impedes decomposition.

Trauma

Traumatic injuries can increase insect activity and decay rate.

Other factors like the deceased’s size, age, and cause of death can also impact the decomposition timeline.

Applications in Forensic Science

Studying and understanding the stages of decomposition has many important applications in forensic science and criminal investigations. Some examples include:

Estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) – Observing the stage of decomposition can give investigators an approximate time frame since death.

Locating clandestine graves – Certain compounds released during decay can be detected by cadaver dogs or chemical tests to uncover buried remains.

Gathering insect evidence – The insects colonizing a corpse provide clues about the postmortem interval and whether the body has been moved.

Determining cause of death – Understanding the circumstances surrounding the death (burial, trauma, etc.) based on analysis of the remains.

By studying the taphonomic changes and processes that affect decomposition of bodies in body farms, forensic scientists are better equipped to interpret crime scenes and analyze decomposing corpses.

Conclusion

Decomposition begins shortly after death and progresses through several distinct stages as the body is consumed by autolysis, putrefaction, insects, and scavengers. The four main stages of decomposition are fresh, bloat, active decay, and skeletonization, although the duration of each stage can vary substantially based on the environment.

Studying and documenting the stages of decomposition and the factors that affect the rate of decay has many applications in forensic science, archaeology, anthropology, and ecology. Understanding how bodies decompose can provide investigators with valuable evidence in criminal cases and insights into ecosystems and the nutrient cycle. While decomposition may seem like an unsavory process, it is a vital mechanism that recycles organic matter and ensures continued balance in the natural world.

Human decomposition is as natural as life itself, and essential knowledge for biohazard cleaning companies specializing in decomposition cleanup after unattended deaths. Decomposition may be unpleasant, but a greater understanding of its stages and processes helps professionals like medical examiners, crime scene technicians, and remediation specialists do their jobs effectively and safely.