NCJ Number
46992
Journal
Journal of the Forensic Science Society Volume: 17 Issue: 2 & 3 Dated: (APRIL & JULY 1977) Pages: 81-87
Date Published
1977
Length
7 pages
Annotation
THE OCCURRENCE, ANALYSIS, AND FORENSIC SCIENCE APPLICATIONS OF DIATOMS -- MICROSCOPIC, UNICELLULAR ALGAE USUALLY FOUND IN SEAS, LAKES, RIVERS, DITCHES, AND DAMP WALLS OR SOILS -- ARE DESCRIBED.
Abstract
INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING DIATOMS AND PREPARING THEM FOR ANALYSIS IS PRESENTED. THE ROLE OF DIATOM ANALYSIS IN EXAMINING CASES OF SUSPECTED DEATH BY DROWNING IS DESCRIBED, AND CASE STUDIES ARE CITED. CASE STUDIES ARE ALSO CITED OF FORENSIC APPLICATIONS OF DIATOM ANALYSIS RELATED TO THE USE OF DIATOMACEOUS EARTH AS SAFE BALLAST AND IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CAR POLISHES, MATCHES, AND PAINTS. IT IS NOTED THAT DIATOMS ARE OF LIMITED USE IN SOIL COMPARISONS, BECAUSE ESSENTIALLY THE SAME SPECIES APPEAR ON NEARLY ALL SOILS. PHOTOGRAPHS ILLUSTRATING THE VARIETY OF DIATOM SHAPES AND SIZES ARE INCLUDED. A LIST OF REFERENCES IS PROVIDED. (LKM)