Profiling of freshwater diatom diversity of parvati river for forensic application

Abstract

The current study focuses on profiling the diatom diversity prevailing in the freshwater of the Parvati River, flowing through the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh. The selected study area is a tourist hub where various drowning-related cases occur throughout the year. Additionally, no systematic study of diatom diversity has been conducted in this region. Therefore, an attempt has been made to generate a map of diatoms proliferating during different seasons in the Parvati River. The water samples from the selected river body were collected for two consecutive years at various altitudinal variations. The diatoms were cultured using WC media, and then chemical digestion was performed for quantitative and qualitative analysis. Microscopic observations of the cells were done and cell counting was done by using Sedgewick rafter counting cell slide. The physicochemical parameters of the Parvati River suggest its clean nature. Also, the diversity of diatoms prevailing in the study area, the research underscores the pristine nature of the environment. It highlights the need to perform the diatomological mapping of the water body frequently, in order to know the environmental condition of the area. The study advocates for the use of profiled diatoms by forensic experts while solving drowning cases in the Parvati River. The study supports the application of diatoms in solving drowning-related crimes. It is not only the water bodies, but even the clothes of a person and diatoms from the soil, in case of a scuffle, can also be indicated. There is still ample scope to refine the diversity knowledge about the diatoms around us, in soil and water bodies. Such attempts must be undertaken for all water bodies especially those which are deeper and fast-moving, so that in case of crime the responsible person can be proven guilty and penalized. newline