Cyanotoxins: An algal evidences for forensic investigation

The Importance of Algae in Aquatic Ecosystems

Introduction

The majority of the biomass in aquatic ecosystems is composed of algae and other aquatic plants. These organisms play a crucial role in maintaining the health of water bodies and act as indicators of water quality. Understanding the diversity and characteristics of algae is essential for forensic investigations related to aquatic environments.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Algae and their role in aquatic ecosystems are directly linked to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water
3. SDG 15: Life on Land

Algae: Diversity

Algae exist in various shapes, sizes, and colors. It is important to have a basic understanding of these organisms to recognize their presence and potential value in forensic investigations.

1. Unicellular Algae: Unicellular algae are the most numerous and prevalent in aquatic environments. They are often invisible to the naked eye but should be assumed to be present on any object or body recovered from water.

Example: Some common types of unicellular algae found in freshwater include diatoms, Chlorella, Chlamydomonas, Euglenoids, Spirulina (cyanobacteria), and Dinoflagellates.

• Filamentous Algae: Filamentous algae are responsible for the green or blue-green mats observed on the surface of ponds or lakes. They can appear in various colors, so even without visible patches, forensic investigators should examine potential evidence for filamentous algae.

Blue Green Algae

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are photosynthetic bacteria found in freshwater, estuarine, and marine environments. They come in different forms, from unicellular to filamentous to colonial forms.

Some blue-green algae produce toxins that can be harmful to animals and humans. These toxins can cause illness or even death if ingested or in contact with contaminated water.

Algal Evidences as Forensic Tools

1. Criminal suspects’ access to specific algae species or communities can be used to link them to aquatic crime scenes or physical evidence found in water bodies.
2. The presence or absence of algae in body tissues can help determine if drowning was the cause of death. The abundance of diatoms in such tissues can indicate the likely location of drowning.
3. Toxic algae or their toxins can be identified in meals, drinking water, or pool water to determine the cause of human or domestic animal poisonings or deaths.
4. Algae can be used to estimate the minimum post-mortem submersion interval (PMSI) based on research on algal community succession or growth rates on submerged carcasses.

Diagnosis of Algal Toxins

Certain types of blue-green algae and dinoflagellates can produce toxins that can be lethal or cause illness in humans and animals. Forensic investigators should be aware of the circumstances under which these toxins are likely to occur.

While forensic botanists can identify the specific type of algae in a sample, biochemical testing for the identification of different cyanotoxins may require specialized laboratories.

Conclusion

Algae play a vital role in aquatic ecosystems and can provide valuable evidence in forensic investigations related to water bodies. Understanding their diversity and characteristics is crucial for sustainable development and achieving the SDGs.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 15: Life on Land

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
• SDG 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
• SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Presence of algae in water bodies as an indicator of water quality and pollution levels.
• Identification of specific algae species or communities as evidence in forensic investigations.
• Detection of algal toxins in water sources as an indicator of pollution and potential harm to humans and animals.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.