Publication

Abstract : Diatom investigation has invited a lot of criticisms and controversies in the diagnosis of drowning. Distribution of diatoms widely varies between different water bodies depending on the various parameters of a water body. A diatom test must demonstrate the same type of diatoms in similar concentrations between the internal organs and putative drowning medium. This often fails due to contamination of a living person with diatoms. Further, it is complicated with seasonal or temporo-spatial variations. This is because monthly variations in the types of diatoms that predominate the putative drowning medium positively or negatively influences the results of a diatom test done at a later time after the event of drowning. © 2014 South India Medico-Legal Association. All rights reserved.