Putrefying bacteria is one of the main processes in the nitrogen cycle; other than putrefying bacteria there are denitrifying bacteria, nitrifying bacteria and nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
The previous occupants had left the premises in an indescribable state, with excrement, putrefying food and other unmentionable rubbish littering every foot of floor.
Journalists have proven themselves to be the true scavengers, with not a hint of hesitation at feeding at putrefying stories that were better buried long ago.