EXAMINING THE EFFECTS OF A FRESHWATER ENVIRONMENT ON DECOMPOSITION: A PILOT STUDY

Author

Leah Bell, Northern Michigan UniversityFollow

Date of Award

5-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Individualized Study

Department

Interdisciplinary

Program

Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS)

First Advisor/Chairperson

Dr. Jane Harris

Abstract

Research on decomposition in aquatic environments is limited compared to what is known about decomposition in terrestrial environments. Additionally, many taphonomy studies have been conducted in riverine, or saltwater environments, which are fundamentally different from freshwater lake or pond environments. This pilot study sought to determine the effects of two freshwater environments on decomposition by examining the impact of submersion and the water environment itself. This research involved the placement of six fetal pigs in three different but spatially related decomposition environments. Two pigs were placed in an intermittent creek with a notable current, two in a nearby pond created by a beaver dam that resulted in a reservoir fed by the same intermittent creek into which the first two subjects were placed, and two in a wooded area adjacent to both. Over one month, water quality measurements were collected alongside notes, and photographs were taken to document morphoscopic changes in the research subjects; additional data collected included ambient temperature, water temperature, surface temperature (of the specimens on land), rate of the current in the creek, and observations of scavenger activity. Notable differences were observed between the rates of decomposition among the research subjects in the three environments, including their visible progression through decomposition and insect activity. In general, decomposition rates were found to be highly influenced by deposition environment (i.e., aquatic v. terrestrial), and aquatic decomposition was found to be influenced by water movement and depth.

Recommended Citation

Bell, Leah, "EXAMINING THE EFFECTS OF A FRESHWATER ENVIRONMENT ON DECOMPOSITION: A PILOT STUDY" (2025). All NMU Master's Theses. 887.
https://commons.nmu.edu/theses/887

Access Type

Open Access

Justification for Restricting Access

I am hoping to use this pilot study as the basis for future research as a dissertation project. Embargoing this research will protect the researchers and the University from local opinions on decomposition research.