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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons™
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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Effects Of Heavy Metal Contamination In Soil On Dna Degradation After Decomposition, Samantha Hofland
The Effects Of Heavy Metal Contamination In Soil On Dna Degradation After Decomposition, Samantha Hofland
Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers
The application of DNA is an ever-expanding field of research with many implications in the field of forensic investigation. Research into DNA obtained from soil is ongoing and suggests a new avenue in forensic investigation. This research seeks to understand the effects of heavy metal on the preservation of DNA within soil after decomposition of remains. Using pigs as a proxy for human remains, the effects of heavy metal contamination on the microbial environment and endogenous pig DNA was observed. This gave broad insight into the effect of surface burial and Western Montana; summer climate has on DNA degradation.