[Diatoms Distribution in Ningbo Three-river Watershed during Summer]

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Forensic Science

Background:

• Diatoms are microscopic algae with species-specific distributions.
• Understanding diatom populations is crucial for forensic investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify diatom species, quantify their presence, and map their distribution in Ningbo's three rivers during summer.
• To establish a scientific foundation for forensic drowning case analysis in the region.

Main Methods:

• Collected water samples from the Yao, Fenghua, and Yong Rivers in July-August 2015.
• Utilized microscopy to identify diatom morphology and dominant species at 14 sampling sites.

Main Results:

• Identified 16 diatom species across the three rivers.
• Melosira dominated the Yao River; Cyclotella was most abundant in the Yong River.
• Pinnularia and Licmophora were more prevalent in the Fenghua River.

Conclusions:

• Distinct diatom species composition and proportions were observed in each river.
• A database of river-specific diatom species and compositions was created.
• This data supports forensic examination of drowning incidents in Ningbo's three-river watershed.