A Future Perspective in Forensic Medicine in China: Diatomological Mapping of Water Bodies

Abstract

Diatom test (forensic diatomology) is commonly considered as the “gold standard” in the diagnosis of drowning in forensic practices. The diatomology contributes significantly not only in determining the mode of death but also in determining the site of drowning because of various distribution characterizations of diatoms in different water bodies or different seasons. Hence, it is believed that diatomological mapping will be interest to forensic pathologists in the future development. Here, we reviewed the all the studies on the distribution characterizations of diatoms in different water bodies in China recently. The present paper summarized the current situation and the limitations of the previous studies. Moreover, we suggested that it was necessary to establish a systematized and standardized diatomological mapping program nationwide. Our study also encourages diatomological mapping for forensic characterization of water bodies for a prolonged time.

Keywords

• Diatom
• diatomological mapping
• drowning
• forensic pathology
• perspective study