Abstract

In a forensic context, actions such as arson, submersion of the body in water, or burial, conducted with the intention of concealing a crime, can lead to postmortem changes in bones. In this regard, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy can be considered as an effective tool for detailed examination for forensic purposes. The focus of this research is to investigate the distinguishability of postmortem changes in bones using Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR)-FT-IR spectroscopy without preprocessing. Within the scope of the study, 14 different bone samples were subjected to various damages and examined in detail using ATR-FT-IR spectroscopy. The results indicated common absorbance bands in the FTIR spectra of damaged bones, excluding burned bones. Additionally, using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), it was determined that the damage occurring in bones could be distinguished with a discernibility rate ranging from 93% to 100%. The findings of the research have been evaluated as guiding and supportive for further studies in the field of forensic sciences.

https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/antropolojidergisi/issue/85423/1410500