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Updated: Feb 17, 2026
Author Spotlight: Diatom Testing for Forensic Drowning Examination
Published on: November 10, 2023
[Diatom Detection Using Enzyme Combined with Strong Acid Digestion Method]
1Institute of Forensic Science, Nantong Public Security Bureau, Nantong 226007, China.
Objectives:
To detect diatom in the organs of drowners by enzyme combined with strong acid digestion method, and evaluate its application value.
Methods:
A total of 40 cases which have been identified as drowning in local region were collected. Samples of the lung, liver, kidney, and the water of the scene were also gathered from each case. Strong acid digestion method, enzyme combined with strong acid digestion method, and enzymic digestion method were respectively performed to detect the diatom in the samples. The comparative analysis was made on digestion time, digestive power and detection rate of diatom, etc.
Results:
Enzyme combined with strong acid digestion method was significantly better than enzymic digestion method on digestion time and digestive power; enzyme combined with strong acid digestion method were obviously superior to strong acid digestion method on the detection rate of diatom.
Conclusions:
Enzyme combined with strong acid digestion method combines the advantages of strong acid digestion method and enzymic digestion method. It has the characters of operation safety with little pollution to environment, which is worthy of further popularization and practice.
