A Fluorescent Survey of Diatom Distribution Patterns in Some Small Water Bodies (Lakes and Sarovars)

In the present study an attempt has been made to characterize diatom flora existing in eight water bodies, especially lakes and sarovars of few districts of Haryana, India. Diatoms play an important role in establishing the death due to drowning. Noticeable changes in the diversity of this botanical evidence can further be used in forensic investigation of drowning cases where drowning site is under suspicion. It happens particularly in those cases where drowning site is not available or body has been moved from one location of site to other. The observations of the present single season (winter) study have revealed noticeable qualitative and qualitative changes in diatom distributions. Purpose of this study was to help forensic scientist in understanding site specific distribution of diatom flora of a region and its role in solving drowning cases.