• Dr.Prateek Srivastava
• Geeta Srivastava
• Dr.Ambrina Sardar Khan
• Saleha Naz
• Dr.Sanjay Singh

Diatoms, unicellular algae with their unique silica cell walls are ubiquitous in freshwater and marine habitats. The silica cell walls known as frustules, are incredibly durable and resistant to decomposition, making them highly valuable in forensic science, particularly in investigations related to drowning. Presently, the core application involves extracting diatoms from the tissues of deceased individuals (e.g., lungs, bone marrow, brain, kidney) and comparing their species composition and concentration with those found in suspected aquatic environments. Forensic diatomology often overlooked provides a powerful layer of evidence that can be pivotal in reconstructing events, determining the cause of death, and linking individuals to specific environments in forensic investigations. There are some challenges that are faced during investigation. Lack of standardized protocols and persistence contamination risks are the major obstacles in diatom analysis in forensic investigations. Integrating advanced technologies like AI-driven identification, DNA barcoding promises to enhance the accuracy and objectivity of diatom analysis. Expanding ecological databases will broaden diatoms utility, enabling their role as a powerful trace evidence in forensic cases.

- Diatoms, Forensic, Diatom Test, Extraction, Applications, Drowning.

"Diatoms in Forensic Science : Applications, Challenges And Future Prospects", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 7, page no.d537-d542, July-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2507362.pdf

"Diatoms in Forensic Science : Applications, Challenges And Future Prospects", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 7, page no. ppd537-d542, July-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2507362.pdf