Universität zu Köln

Rohner, H. and Rothschild, M. A. (2013). Algal growth on submerged human bodies as indicator of postmortem submersion interval. Current state of the art. Rechtsmedizin, 23 (6). S. 449 - 454. NEW YORK: SPRINGER. ISSN 1434-5196

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Abstract

Background. Algal growth on submerged dead human bodies can sometimes be observed in forensic medical examinations. Even in the late nineteenth century experiments were implemented to document the temporal process of algal colonization as well as to identify algal species on submerged human bodies in lotic water. The results are still mentioned in German language literature but are only used in suitable cases for an approximate estimation of a postmortem submersion interval (PMSI). However, in the past decade American scientists set up experiments using animal carcasses to analyze algal growth on submerged bodies with regard to algal diversity in brackish and fresh waters and chlorophyll concentrations of the algae occurring over time. The appearance of algal growth can only assist an estimation of PMSI in individual cases because it is not yet known how various external factors influence the algal growth on human skin. Aim. This article conveys to the reader the current state of research on estimation of PMSI based on the presence of algae. Material and methods. In this article the current state of knowledge on this long known phenomenon is summarized with reference to a literature search. Furthermore, the potential of algae as an indicator of PMSI in forensic investigations is assessed. Results. The presence of algae on submerged human bodies is still only useful for estimating the PMSI in isolated cases because it is still not known how various external factors affect algal growth on the skin of human corpses. Standardized reference data do not exist. Conclusions. In individual cases a rough estimate of the PMSI can be made by experimental reconstruction of the submersion conditions and comparison with the algal growth on the expreimental corpse in a given case.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Rohner, H. UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Rothschild, M. A. UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-470768
DOI:	10.1007/s00194-013-0911-8
Journal or Publication Title:	Rechtsmedizin
Volume:	23
Number:	6
Page Range:	S. 449 - 454
Date:	2013
Publisher:	SPRINGER
Place of Publication:	NEW YORK
ISSN:	1434-5196
Language:	German
Faculty:	Unspecified
Divisions:	Unspecified
Subjects:	no entry
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language WOODLAND STREAM; DECOMPOSITION; CARCASSES; DEATH; TIME; AID Multiple languages Medicine, Legal Multiple languages
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/47076