Abstract
The spectrum of sporomorphs collected from the surface of the skin and clothes of some people in Włodawa County during the summer
- Department of Botany, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland
- Student of Forensic Biology, Biology and Animal Breeders Student Research Association, Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Biology, Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland
Introduction
Due to their microscopic size, ubiquity, and resistance to destruction, pollen grains are an especially valuable biological material that can be used in forensic investigations.
Aim of the study
Determination of the species composition of pollen grains deposited on the clothing and skin of the people walking in Włodawa County during the summer.
Material and methods
Pollen grains deposited on the surface of the skin and garments of individuals walking in four villages of Włodawa County were analysed. The material was sampled using two-sided adhesive tape. The qualitative and quantitative composition of pollen grains was evaluated after analysis of microscopic slides at 400-x magnification.
Results
In the present investigations, we identified pollen grains of plants flowering in summer, i.e. in the experimental period. The palynological analyses indicate that the surface of clothes on the shoulders and the surface of the forearm skin are the most suitable areas for deposition of pollen grains, whereas the lowest amounts of pollen were noted on the calves. The statistical analysis shows that the differences in the number of sporomorphs deposited on the different surfaces are not statistically significant.
Conclusions
Palynological material collected from suspects or victims should be taken from various parts of clothing and skin, because it does not attach to them in the same way.
Keywords
pollen, forensic palynology, investigation proceeding, sampling, microscopic analysis
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