The cadaveric volatilome of terrestrial decomposition, including buried corpses, has been extensively studied in recent taphonomic research. However, there has been comparatively less attention given to the volatile organic compounds associated with submerged vertebrate remains. This decaying process is distinct, as evidenced by the succession of decay stages that significantly differ from terrestrial decomposition. Indeed, five stages can be delineated: fresh, early floating, floating decay, deterioration, and sunken remains. Due to the unique nature of underwater decomposition, we anticipate the release of different cadaveric volatiles from submerged remains. In this study, we characterize the volatile compounds emitted during underwater decomposition and that reach the surface. Rat cadavers were placed individually in glass chambers filled with water. The volatiles released at the surface were subsequently collected three times per week over the course of a month. Two types of water, fresh and marine, were used to assess the potential influence of the salinity level on the cadaveric volatilome. A total of 33 volatile compounds were identified, with the majority having previously been reported in the headspace of cadavers undergoing decomposition in a terrestrial environment. Among these compounds, those containing sulfur were the most abundant, with dimethyl disulfide being the major one. Our findings did not reveal any discernible impact of salinity levels on the volatile profile, which was, however, affected by the specific decaying stage. Notably, 3-methyl-indole emerged as a promising candidate for distinguishing between the first two stages of decomposition and the subsequent third stage.

陆地分解的尸体挥发物，包括埋藏的尸体，在最近的埋藏学研究中得到了广泛的研究。然而，对与水下脊椎动物遗骸相关的挥发性有机化合物的关注相对较少。这种衰变过程是独特的，这一点可以从与陆地分解显着不同的一系列衰变阶段得到证明。事实上，可以划分出五个阶段：新鲜、早期漂浮、漂浮腐烂、变质和沉没残骸。由于水下分解的独特性质，我们预计水下遗骸会释放出不同的尸体挥发物。在这项研究中，我们描述了水下分解过程中释放并到达表面的挥发性化合物的特征。将大鼠尸体单独放置在装满水的玻璃室中。随后在一个月内每周收集三次地表释放的挥发物。使用淡水和海水两种水来评估盐度水平对尸体挥发分的潜在影响。总共鉴定出 33 种挥发性化合物，其中大多数此前曾在陆地环境中分解的尸体顶部空间中报告过。这些化合物中，含硫化合物最多，其中以二甲基二硫醚为主。我们的研究结果没有揭示盐度水平对挥发性成分的任何明显影响，然而，挥发性成分受到特定腐烂阶段的影响。值得注意的是，3-甲基吲哚成为区分前两个分解阶段和随后的第三阶段的有希望的候选者。