Metodyka zabezpieczania srodowiskowych sladów w postaci materiału okrzemkowego

Abstract

The use of diatoms as environmental forensic traces is an ideal tool for linking a person to a specific place –environment, and may also be helpful in diagnosing drownings or determining the place of drowning. This is a standard tool used by law enforcement agencies in numerous European countries, as well as in Australia, China, India and the United States of America. The aim of this work is to indicate possible methods and principles that should be used to secure diatoms at the scene during procedural activities such as site examination and search, as well as to promote knowledge in the•field of forensic diatomology in Poland. This methodology was developed based on recognized and widely used experience in obtaining and securing diatoms for the purposes of research based on their taxonomy and ecology as well as on the literature. We•recommend a procedure for securing diatom material based on methods used and developed by scientists and adapted to the conditions and technical capabilities available to a Polish police officer – a foresnsic technician.