Published Date: 1 December 2023
Journal: Science & Justice
Authors: Vanesa Serrudo Gonzales, Teresa Ortuño Limarino, Pablo Duchen
Abstract:
Forensic palynology, the study of spores and pollen grains, has emerged as a pivotal tool in criminalistics, linking specific geographical locations to crime scenes. This study ventures into the relatively unexplored domain of non-seasonal high-altitude soils, focusing on areas with high crime rates in La Paz, Bolivia. By conducting a comprehensive palynological survey across different urbanized and rural settings, the research underlines the effectiveness of pollen assemblages in mirroring vegetation, their successful transfer to footwear, and their utility in identifying geographical origins and indicator species.
Introduction:
The premise of forensic palynology lies in its ability to utilize microscopic pollen and spores, invisible to the naked eye and resilient over millennia, as significant evidence in criminal investigations. This study builds on the foundational principles of criminalistics, exploring the congruence between pollen samples from crime scenes and objects or individuals involved, to provide tangible evidence in legal contexts. The research fills a gap by applying these methods to the unique environmental conditions of high-altitude, non-seasonal areas in Bolivia, aiming to bolster the forensic utility of pollen assemblages in such settings.
Materials and Methods:
The research was conducted in the southern region of La Paz, Bolivia, selecting sites based on historical homicide rates and public accessibility. These included a rural site with wild and crop vegetation, an urban recreational park, and an urban park with introduced flora. The study involved a detailed floristic survey, creation of a pollen reference collection, analysis of pollen rain, and examination of pollen samples from footwear. Innovative methods were developed for pollen sample collection and analysis, facilitating the establishment of a preliminary database for local palynomorphs.
Results:
The study identified 53 plant species across the selected sites, with significant overlap between the vegetation and the pollen found in soil samples and on footwear. This overlap confirmed the viability of using pollen assemblages as forensic evidence. The research also highlighted specific ‘indicator’ species for each site, which, due to their unique presence or abundance, could help pinpoint geographical locations. Furthermore, the study demonstrated the effective transfer of pollen from soil to footwear, reinforcing the potential of forensic palynology in crime scene analysis.
Discussion:
The findings underscore the importance of developing local pollen databases to enhance the speed and accuracy of forensic investigations. The study also illustrates the adaptability of forensic palynology in diverse environmental settings, including non-seasonal high-altitude areas. By comparing pollen from different sources, the research provides a methodological foundation for future investigations, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach to forensic science.
Conclusions:
This study establishes the forensic applicability of pollen assemblages in non-seasonal high-altitude soils, offering a novel approach to crime scene analysis. The research not only expands the geographical applicability of forensic palynology but also contributes to the development of crucial reference databases for future investigations.
This is an open-access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Note: Contents may be edited for style and length.
Journal Reference : Serrudo Gonzales, V., Ortuño Limarino, T., & Duchen, P. (2024). Use of pollen assemblages as forensic evidence in non-seasonal high-altitude soils. Science & Justice, 64, 73-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scijus.2023.11.008
