There are about 10,000 species of diatoms, microscopic alga that may provide valuable evidence in criminal investigations.
Professor and Alumna's Paper Accepted for Presentation by American Academy of Forensic Sciences
A paper by SOBM faculty member Ismail Sebetan, MD, Ph.D. and alumna Irelise C. Clendenin (MFS, 2007) titled Diatoms and Their Forensic Significance, has been accepted by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences for presentation.
Dr. Sebetan, a Professor in the department of professional studies, and Ms. Clendenin will address approximately 200 forensic scientists at the Academy's 59th Annual Meeting, February 19-24 in San Antonio, Texas.
Diatoms are microscopic alga. About 10,000 species of diatoms are found in all types of water, as well as in moist soil and the atmosphere. In forensics, diatom analysis can help determine if a person was dead or alive when, for example, that person's water fell into a body of water. Because diatoms vary morphologically and taxonomically depending on their habitat, it is possible to determine the location or site of drowning. Moreover, if there is a possibility of linking a victim to the site of the drowning, there is also a possibility of linking a suspect to a crime scene.
Dr. Sebetan and Ms. Clendenin's paper demonstrates that diatoms could be utilized as critical evidence in criminal investigations when aquatic communities are involved. His research indicates that diatoms are a good example of trace evidence and very valuable investigative tools, which can be used to link an individual to a crime scene. Additionally, their findings support that these microorganisms can be recovered by using a simple methodology; and provide investigators with a reliable and quick technique that could help them determine the presence of diatoms in physical evidence recovered from a crime scene and/or individual.