Mycology and palynology: Preliminary results in a forensic experimental laboratory in Colombia, South America.

Abstract

Forensic mycology and palynology are emerging disciplines that offer valuable tools for solving crimes, particularly in cases of enforced disappearances and clandestine burials. This study, conducted in Bogotá, Colombia, aimed to explore the potential contributions of mycology and palynology in forensic investigations. Using a controlled experimental setup, we simulated clandestine graves and studied the fungal and pollen communities at different soil depths, aiming to identify decomposition markers and estimate burial times. Samples were taken from soil at 30 and 50 cm depths from both control graves and those with pig cadavers. Mycological analysis revealed differences in fungal diversity, with graves containing cadavers showing higher species richness, which is linked to cadaveric decomposition. Palynological analysis indicated that pollen grains in deeper soil layers (50 cm) correspond to species, such as Borago officinalis, Poa sp., and Croton sonderianus, linked to dry seasons, indicating the burial timeframe. On the other hand, pollen from 30 cm depth was consistent with species from the wet season, corroborating the exhumation period. This study highlights the utility of combining mycology and palynology in forensic investigations, especially in tropical or equatorial regions like Bogotá, where decomposition dynamics may differ significantly from other global contexts.