Evaluation of barnacle (Crustacea: Cirripedia) colonisation on different fabrics to support the estimation of the time spent in water by human remains

The estimation of the time since death (minimum Post Mortem Interval, minPMI) is an essential aspect of forensic investigations. This is particularly complex when a human body is found submerged, floating or beached in a marine environment. When a cadaver is found in a terrestrial environment the minPMI estimation is generally based on the presence of carrion insects. However, when a cadaver is found in an aquatic environment, a correct crime scene reconstruction is more complex and requires the consideration of the time the remains spent submerged underwater (minimum Post Mortem Submersion Interval, minPMSI) and/or floating (Floating Interval, FI). In marine crime scene scenarios, the use of barnacles (Crustacea: Cirripedia) has recently received some attention, due to their permanent settlement on human remains and their accompanying clothing. Previous research considered barnacle growth on human shoes, but the present research is the first to focus on the colonisation of barnacles on clothing materials (fabrics). Polystyrene floats were covered by either cotton, velvet, satin or neoprene and submerged underwater over a period of six months off the coast of Perth, Western Australia. The aims of this research were 1) the identification of marine species colonising the fabrics, with special attention to barnacles; 2) the identification of which fabric type provides the most desirable environment for colonisation; and 3) the identification of factors that affect the growth rate of the different species. Three species of barnacles, Balanus trigonus Darwin, Amphibalanus reticulatus (Utinomi) and A. variegatus (Darwin), were present in varying numbers and sizes. The colonisation process of the barnacles occurred rapidly, with the first sighting of barnacles observed within the first month on neoprene and control floats. The surface that attracted the largest number of barnacles was neoprene, followed by satin and cotton, while velvet showed an inconsistent colonisation rate. The largest size barnacles were observed on the control floats, while all fabrics showed a similar smaller size. Overall, time spent in water and water temperature had a significant positive relationship with both number and size of the colonising barnacles. This study is the first to provide information that will aid in the investigation of human remains recovered from Western Australian marine waters, using the barnacle colonisation on different fabric types

Can your clothing solve crime? Barnacle (Crustacea: Cirripedia) colonisation of different fabrics: a tool for forensic investigation in a marine environment

The estimation of the time since death (minimum Post Mortem Interval, minPMI) is an essential aspect to a forensic investigation, and this is particularly complex when a body is found in a marine environment, submerged, floating or beached. The estimation of the minPMI of a body found on land is generally based on the presence of carrion insects (Diptera: Calliphoridae; Sarcophagidae; Muscidae). In the marine environment, beside the minPMI, the time spent by the body underwater (minPMSI, minimum Post Mortem Submersion Interval) or floating (FI, Floating Interval) are necessary for a correct crime scene reconstruction. The presence of barnacles (Crustacea: Cirripedia) is one parameter that has come under recent scrutiny because of their colonisation and permanent settlement on human remains and their accompanying items, such as clothing and shoes. However, research in this field to present day is limited and focused in USA and Europe, and has not considered human clothing materials (fabrics). This research is focused on the colonisation – settlement preference and growth – of barnacles on cotton, velvet, satin and neoprene. Polystyrene floats (PFs), covered by the four types of fabric, were submerged over a period of six months off the coast of Perth, Western Australia. The aims of this research were 1) the identification of marine species colonising the fabrics, with special attention to barnacles; 2) the identification of which fabric provides the most desirable environment for colonisation; and 3) the identification of which factors affect the growth rate of the different species. Three species of barnacles (Balanus trigonus Darwin, Amphibalanus reticulatus (Utinomi) and A. variegatus (Darwin)) were present in varying amounts and sizes. The colonisation process of the barnacles happened rapidly, with colonisation observed in within the first month on neoprene. Statistical analyses were used to determine statically significant relationships between the barnacles’ number, diameter and distribution, compared to the type of fabric. Overall, the favourable substrata for this research were neoprene, followed by satin. Cotton, instead, showed a low colonisation, possibly due to the partial deterioration of the material over time. In contrast, velvet showed an inconsistent colonisation rate. The settlement preference observed was on the bottom half of the floats (away from sunlight exposure) and areas where the fabric creased. This study is the first to provide data to support the estimation of PMSI of clothed bodies that can be found in Western Australian marine waters

Can your clothing solve crime? Barnacle (Crustacea: Cirripedia) colonisation of different fabrics: a tool for forensic investigation in a marine environment

The estimation of the time since death (minimum Post Mortem Interval, minPMI) is an essential aspect to a forensic investigation, and this is particularly complex when a body is found in a marine environment, submerged, floating or beached. The estimation of the minPMI of a body found on land is generally based on the presence of carrion insects (Diptera: Calliphoridae; Sarcophagidae; Muscidae). In the marine environment, beside the minPMI, the time spent by the body underwater (minPMSI, minimum Post Mortem Submersion Interval) or floating (FI, Floating Interval) are necessary for a correct crime scene reconstruction. The presence of barnacles (Crustacea: Cirripedia) is one parameter that has come under recent scrutiny because of their colonisation and permanent settlement on human remains and their accompanying items, such as clothing and shoes. However, research in this field to present day is limited and focused in USA and Europe, and has not considered human clothing materials (fabrics). This research is focused on the colonisation – settlement preference and growth – of barnacles on cotton, velvet, satin and neoprene. Polystyrene floats (PFs), covered by the four types of fabric, were submerged over a period of six months off the coast of Perth, Western Australia. The aims of this research were 1) the identification of marine species colonising the fabrics, with special attention to barnacles; 2) the identification of which fabric provides the most desirable environment for colonisation; and 3) the identification of which factors affect the growth rate of the different species. Three species of barnacles (Balanus trigonus Darwin, Amphibalanus reticulatus (Utinomi) and A. variegatus (Darwin)) were present in varying amounts and sizes. The colonisation process of the barnacles happened rapidly, with colonisation observed in within the first month on neoprene. Statistical analyses were used to determine statically significant relationships between the barnacles’ number, diameter and distribution, compared to the type of fabric. Overall, the favourable substrata for this research were neoprene, followed by satin. Cotton, instead, showed a low colonisation, possibly due to the partial deterioration of the material over time. In contrast, velvet showed an inconsistent colonisation rate. The settlement preference observed was on the bottom half of the floats (away from sunlight exposure) and areas where the fabric creased. This study is the first to provide data to support the estimation of PMSI of clothed bodies that can be found in Western Australian marine waters

Dr Paola Magni - Forensic Entomologist

Can barnacles help solve a murder mystery? Or even find a plane lost at sea? This short documentary shows some of the innovative research being undertaken at Murdoch University by Forensic Entomologist Dr Paola Magni, alongside Dr Jennifer Verduin and honours student Elsie Beales