The potential of pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GCMS ) as a tool for the estimation of post-mortem age of bones has been investigated. Pig bone
specimens prepared under controlled burial conditions in soil were studied and the
post-mortem ages ranged from 3 to 48 months. Notable differences were observed
in the data produced for younger bone specimens (<1 year) compared to specimens
of greater post-mortem age (>1 year). Py-GCMS also demonstrates a relationship of
particular peak ratios with the age of bones. The ratios of peaks in the pyrograms were
examined and it was demonstrated that the ratios of certain pairs of peaks increase as
the bone age increases