ABSTRACT
context: In forensic analysis diatoms plays an important role. Their structure and morphology is widely used to identify the location. Since their species are varied in different geographical locations. Therefore, can be used for diagnosing the suspected drowning and dumping cases. aims: The study portrays the identification of different species of diatoms found in different geographical locations of Punjab. settings and design: Experimental study design was adopted to isolate and identify the different species of diatoms collected from different district of Punjab. materials & method: A total of 36 water samples from 18 different district in Punjab were collected. Each sample was of 500-1000 ml in quantity subjected to proper legend labeling of venue, time and date was procured followed by isolation using Acid digestion method for identification. results: Different species of diatoms such as Cylindrotheca Closterium, Triceratium, Hasleastenopterobia, Tabulariavariostriata, Tabellaria, Vulgariabory, Semiorbis, Fragalariforma, Distrionella, Diprorahaenaensis, Hantzschiaamphioxyz, Pinnularia, Peronia fibula, Plagiotropis, Pseudostaurosira, Cyclotella, Melosiraundulata, Aulacoseira, Stenopterobia, Stauroneisaugustilanacea, Craspedastauros, Achnanthes lanceolata were isolated with the help of acid digestion method and were identified by keeping diatoms of North America as a reference standard. conclusions: Diatom species have been identified as indicators of drowning and dumping locations for the sake of criminal inquiry. Morphological analysis aids in the detection of the location where a body is discovered. Hence, sitespecific diatoms from the Punjab region can help identify geographical locations. key message: In forensic science, diatom analysis is a useful tool for diagnosing suspected death by drowning cases. Diatoms at every few kilometers within a single water body changes thus making it easier as a shred of evidence in the identification of the exact location where the body drowned