1Assistant professor, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar PradeshIndia
2Assistant professor, Department of Forensic Science, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India
3Research Scholar, School of Engineering and Sciences, GD Goenka University, Haryana, India
*Corresponding Author, Dr Megha Walia, Assistant professor, Department of ForensicScience SGT University
Online Published on 02 June, 2022.
Diatoms are unicellular, photosynthesizing algae found in fresh and marine waters as well as in moist soil. This research aims to identify different diatoms present in different water bodies in Delhi region. The sample collection for this study was undertaken during January to March 2021 from 14 water bodies which includes eight lakes, three ponds, one river, one canal, and one well. All collected samples of diatoms from were then heat fixed individually and observed under microscope. Diatoms were then identified by analyzing their morphology In total 117 diatoms, 7 morphological structure and 32 genera were identified. In order to link both the suspect and the victim with crime scene, morphological and genera-based information of Diatoms and their Databank willfacilitate to narrow down the selection of water bodies of a particular site. Hence, this research plays a vital role in forensic science as to pen down with information and support in the investigation for drowning site.
Diatoms, Morphology, Databank, Forensic Science, Ante-mortem Drowning, Post-mortem drowning
