[Comparative analysis between diatom nitric acid digestion method and plankton 16S rDNA PCR method]

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Molecular Biology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Drowning identification is crucial in forensic pathology.
• Accurate methods are needed to determine the cause of death.
• Diatoms and plankton DNA can be indicators in drowning cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the application value of diatom nitric acid digestion and plankton 16S rDNA PCR methods for drowning identification.
• To evaluate detection rates and inspection times of both methods.

Main Methods:

• Collected samples (lung, kidney, liver, field water) from 40 drowning cases.
• Applied diatom nitric acid digestion and plankton 16S rDNA PCR methods.
• Compared sample quantity, inspection time, and detection rates.

Main Results:

• Plankton 16S rDNA PCR method detected a 162 bp band.
• Diatom method averaged 95.30 min, while PCR averaged 325.33 min (P < 0.05).
• Both methods achieved 100% detection in field water and lung. PCR showed higher rates in liver (80% vs 40%) and kidney (80% vs 30%).

Conclusions:

• Laboratory method selection depends on specific forensic appraisal circumstances.
• Plankton 16S rDNA PCR method offers advantages in sample quantity, information yield, and specificity compared to diatom nitric acid digestion.