Detection of green algae (Chlorophyceae) for the diagnosis of drowning

Abstract

The plankton test (generally, diatom test) is one of the methods available to diagnose the cause of death of submerged bodies. The solubilization method using tissue solubilizer Soluene-350 was used in this study to detect not only diatoms but also green algae, based on the fact that the solubilizer does not digest the cell walls of green algae which are made from cellulose. Detection of green algae from organs of submerged cadavers is very informative to determine drowning in fresh water, and also in cases where only few diatoms are detected in the organs.

Scanning and transmission electron microscopical evidence of the capacity of diatoms to penetrate the alveolo-capillary barrier in drowning

“…Many have abandoned it on the basis of their opinions or research, of the literature and/or of the evaluation of costs. Authors in favour of the method have developed more sophisticated methods for the detection and analysis of diatoms in tissues [28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35].…”

Algae in Forensic Investigations

“…Even if the diatoms were somehow to enter the capillary vessels of a dead body, the heart is not beating and the diatoms will not be transported to other tissues and organs (Figure 9.7). Although small numbers of diatoms are reportedly sometimes found in the organs of non-drowned victims, they are typically very low in abundance and are demonstrably from sources other than the water in which a body may have been dumped, for example diatomaceous earth (the fossilized remains of ancient diatoms) is used for its abrasive or sorptive properties in toothpaste, metal polish, facial scrubs, and household pest control products (Yoshimura et al 1995;Pollanen 1998:6). The standard diatom test for confirmation of drowning is to sample marrow of an intact femur of the putative drowning victim and look for diatoms.…”

“…If diatoms are found, then the case for drowning is strong and the investigation can then move to determining (i) where the drowning occurred, (ii) whether the drowning was accidental, suicidal, or homicidal, and (iii) how long the body had been lying in the water (Aggrawal 2005). A similar test for drowning using green algae, rather than diatoms, has been developed but it is not in widespread use (Yoshimura et al 1995). Pollanen (1998) discusses the importance of matching at least some of the species found in a decedent's femoral marrow to the drowning medium (i.e., the water in which the drowning occurred) in order to bolster the diagnosis of drowning.…”

Detection and analysis of tracers in experimental drowning

“…In these cases other tests can be performed but the significance and interpretation of these findings (e.g. diatom analysis [2][3][4], detection of Chlorophyceae [5], blood electrolyte concentration [6,7]) is controversial [1,8]. The detection and analysis of other particles originating from the immersion fluid within organs of the systemic circulation could assist in the diagnosis.…”