An estimation of the post-mortem interval in human skeletal remains: a radionuclide and trace element approach

Estimation of the post-mortem interval remains a contentious issue, with fo rensic pathologists often relying upon the recognition of morphological cha nges. A radionuclide approach has often been suggested in the literature, althoug h limitations have prevented its application, most notably those of diagene sis. Within this pilot study, we show for the first time that there is a co rrelation between certain radionuclide content and time since death. A larger study is proposed to confirm these findings and possibly provide a calibration against which bones uncovered can be dated. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.