The Diatom Test was recently in the news in the context of the affairs of alleged murder case of Mansukh Hiran in Mumbai.
- The Maharashtra (ATS) relied on a forensic test known as diatom tests for leads in the the case. The Diatom test is conducted to find out whether a person died after entering the water bodies.
- Diatom a silicaceous walled single cell algae which like plants can photosynthesize is found in all the open water bodies which have all the essential micro and macro nutrients essential for their growth besides sun’s energy.
- Diatoms are the only organism on the planet with cell walls composed of transparent, opaline silica.
- The Diatom test entails findings if there are diatoms in the body being tested.
- If the person is alive when he enters the water, the diatoms will enter the lungs when the person inhales water while drowning.
- These diatoms then get carried to various parts of the body by blood circulation.
- Diatom analysis is considered positive only when the number of diatoms recovered from the body is more than a minimal established limit.
(Source: Indian Express)
