Diatom - A Great Forensic Tool in Investigation of Drowning Cases

Diatoms, a dominant group of phytoplankton, are eukaryotic algae prevalent in diverse aquatic environments. Their unique morphology and silica-induced refractive patterns make diatoms valuable forensic tools, particularly in drowning investigations where they can link suspects or victims to specific water bodies. This study aimed to perform diatom mapping across select water bodies in Jaipur, including GaltaJiKund, Maota Lake, PannaMeenaKund, and Man Sagar Lake. Water samples were collected and subjected to acid digestion using nitric acid (HNO₃) and potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇). Extracted diatoms were analyzed using light microscopy to identify their composition and morphology. Two diatom genera, Navicula and Melosira, were identified, with Navicula being the most prevalent across all samples. The findings demonstrate the utility of diatom analysis for environmental mapping and its potential application in forensic investigations of drowning cases. This study provides a foundation for advancing diatom-based forensic methodologies and highlights areas for future research.