Salinity refers to the amount of salt content in a body of water and cannot be overlooked in marine forensics as freshwater and saltwater have many differences in taphonomy and decomposition. In saltwater, decomposition will proceed at a slower rate than in fresh water due to the high sodium content drawing fluids out of organs and slowing bacterial activity, whereas in freshwater, fluids are absorbed quicker into organs and the bloodstream causing rupturing.Ellingham, S., Perich, P., Tidball-Binz, M. (2017). The fate of human remains in a maritime context and feasibility for forensic humanitarian action to assist in their recovery and identification. Forensic Science International. 279(1): 229-234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.07.039 It is important to know about salinity as it is responsible for buoyancy and why objects and remains float in water. Knowing the salinity level of the body of water in question will aid in where evidence might be located such as at the bottom of water or floating near the surface.
