Detection of green algae (Chlorophyceae) for the diagnosis of drowning

Int J Legal Med. 1995;108(1):39-42. doi: 10.1007/BF01845616.

Abstract

The plankton test (generally, diatom test) is one of the methods available to diagnose the cause of death of submerged bodies. The solubilization method using tissue solubilizer Soluene-350 was used in this study to detect not only diatoms but also green algae, based on the fact that the solubilizer does not digest the cell walls of green algae which are made from cellulose. Detection of green algae from organs of submerged cadavers is very informative to determine drowning in fresh water, and also in cases where only few diatoms are detected in the organs.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acetone
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Centrifugation
  • Chlorophyta / isolation & purification*
  • Diatoms / isolation & purification
  • Drowning / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Kidney / microbiology
  • Liver / microbiology
  • Lung / microbiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Protein Denaturation
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
  • Solvents

Substances

  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
  • Solvents
  • Soluene
  • Acetone