Assessing the extent of bone bioerosion in short timescales – A novel approach for quantifying microstructural loss

The evaluation of bone diagenetic phenomena in archaeological timescales is well established, but little known about the extent diagenesis short forensic timescales. In particular, use Oxford Histological Index (OHI) has become synonymous with assessing bioerosion samples, it may not be ideal for on samples shorter, post-depositional Here, we present a novel method quantifying occurring periods by counting number normal and osteocyte lacunae observed within microstructure bone, which enables calculation percentage destroyed sample. Due to potential condition remains, or depositional environment affect diagenesis, this study investigated multiple conditions; whole rat carcasses, defleshed long bones, excised fleshed limbs that were either placed soil plastic boxes exposed clean surface, left decompose from four 28 weeks, allow occur. Statistically significant differences average found between three conditions, while statistically difference was OHI scores two deposition environments. increased all showing increase over time. Diagenetic changes seen as early 4-weeks post-deposition. Comparisons counts showed that, could distinguish discrete microstructural deterioration, such changes.