ABSTRACT
Decomposing remains produce a significant ephemeral resource loaded with by-products from the decomposition process. The complexity of the decomposition odor profile can be spoken about in terms of two factors: concentration and diversity. Taphonomic studies have extensively covered how different conditions impact the rate and outcome of the decomposition process. While insect olfaction is specific to certain chemicals in the environment, olfactory receptors may react to various semiochemicals. Alcohols such as phenol are most often observed during the active and advanced stages of decay due to the breakdown of proteins and fats. Traditional methods to estimate a post-mortem interval using forensic entomology are limited by circumstances that would inhibit insect activity such as burial of the body or the presence of insect predators. The marriage of forensic entomology techniques with the analysis of decomposition volatile organic compounds could present a powerful investigative tool.
