Exploring Diatom Diversity in Arpa River : A Metagenomic Approach for Drowning Case Investigation using Next-Generation Sequencing.

Diatoms, a group of microalgae, have been increasingly recognized as a valuable tool in forensic science for investigating drowning cases. The presence of diatoms in the body can serve as a indicator of drowning, but the accuracy of this method relies on the availability of a comprehensive and region-specific diatom database. The Arpa River, a major waterbody in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India, lacks such a database, hindering the effectiveness of diatom-based forensic analysis in the region. To address this knowledge gap, this study employs a metagenomic approach using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to investigate the diatom diversity in the Arpa River. By analyzing water and sediment samples from the river, this study aims to provide a comprehensive description of the diatom community structure, diversity, and distribution in the Arpa River. The generated data will be used to develop a region-specific diatom database, which can be used to support drowning case investigations in the region. This study has the potential to improve the accuracy and reliability of diatom-based forensic analysis, ultimately contributing to the strengthening of the justice system in Chhattisgarh.