Role of study of diatoms in forensic investigations-A two year retrospective study

Abstract

Diatoms are a group of unicellular algae that have been recorded and classified for over 200 years and have been used in a range of applications in forensic field. Diatom analysis is a valuable tool in forensic field and it is useful in diagnosis of drowning cases. The basic principal of the “diatom test” in drowning is based on correlation between diatoms present in the medium where the possible drowning took place and inhalation of water causes penetration of diatoms into the alveolar system and blood stream. These diatoms got deposited into the brain, kidneys and other organs. For solving of drowning cases, hard bones like sternum or clavicle as well as soft tissues (lungs and liver) of drowned bodies and sample of water in which possible drowning take place are usually sent to the Forensic Science Laboratories for detection of diatom. A retrospective study was conducted in the department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, G.G.S. Medical College, Faridkot which included all cases brought by police referred from Faridkot district and nearby districts to department from a period of October 2012 to October 2014 with alleged history of drowning. During this period a total of 100 cases were brought by police to the department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, G.G.S. Medical College, Faridkot. The male to female ratio of the cases was 5.25: 1. The most common age group was 20–40 years for males as well as females. Thirty eight percent victims were from rural background while twenty seven percent victims were of urban background. Background of rest of the cases was unknown. Diatom test was found to be positive in 38 cases while it was negative in rest of the cases.