Publication

Abstract : Diatom frustules are examined routinely during autopsies of deaths due to drowning. Presence of same species of diatoms (in similar concentrations) as that of the putativedrowning medium from the internal organs of drowning victims constitute a corroborative or even conclusive evidence to support the diagnosis of death. This paper highlights the relationship of diatoms with that of drowning victims and provides an overview as to the digestion techniques and microscopic examination of siliceous residues of diatoms. Role of diatoms in identification of a site of drowning has been emphasized with suitable case studies from literature.