Diatoms: A Review on its Forensic Significance

Diatoms also called as the ‘jewels of sea’ are microorganisms which are extensively found in the aquatic system. These unicellular organisms make up nearly half of the biological material in the water body. It is also one of the most significant biological evidence that is obtained in case of drowning. The diatoms that infiltrate inside the body of the deceased may serve as a corroborative or even conclusive evidence to support the diagnosis of death. These diatoms also help in ascertaining whether the drowning is ante-mortem or post-mortem. The review discusses the current extraction procedures and microscopic examination techniques used in forensic science for diagnosis of death by drowning.