P r elimina r y anal y sis of non- pollen palynomorphs: An experimental research work forensic implications (La Picada, Entre Ríos, Argentina).

NUÑEZ OTAÑO N.B.; PEREZ PINCHEIRA EGLY; TRUJILLO, CECILIA; BERTOS, MARIANA; BORDI, M; FAGÚNDEZ, GUILLERMINA

Manizales

Congreso; 54th Annual Meeting of AASP-The Palynological Society; 2022

AASP The Palynological Society

Mycology contributes as a discipline to several others but its application in forensic science has been increasing. From working with postmortem intervals, trace evidence, and soil profiles are evident we need to intensify experimental research to use fungi in forensic contexts. We present the first experimental work at a hypothetical crime scene tracing the site of human remains´ deposition in a protected area (relatively low spiny trees, shrubs, and an understory of herbaceous plants) near a creek in La Picada location (Entre Ríos) focusing on non-pollen palynomorphs (NPP), particularly fungi. The floral composition and climatic regime of the study site correspond to a shrubby forest with grassland and ferns under a subtropical-temperate climate. The samples were taken during the spring from sediment from the trail chosen to conduct the experiment, soil accumulated in the sole of the shoes, and with the tape method from a subject´s shoulders, thighs, and ankles after walking 1 hr on the trail. The samples were processed following standard protocols used in forensic palynology adapted for this experiment. The NPPs identified were fungal spores as more abundant followed by thecate amoebas, diatoms, and nematodes. Fungal spore traits and ecology correlated with the vegetation of the study site and NPPs´ general ecology were useful to delimitate the site of study regarding its climate and floral composition. Sediments held a higher species richness of fungal spores and other NPPs commonly found in soil, litter, and wood remains (cf. Sphaerodes, Glomus sp., Tetraploa aff. aristata, Bispora aff. antennata, Criconemoides sp., cyst cf. Lecythium asini, among others). Samples from ankles, thighs, and shoulders showed less fungal richness but correlated with those growing over the vegetation present at the study site roughly at the same height in the walking path with more fungal species growing on trees and bushes (Meliola sp, cf. Venturia, Melanomma sp., Drechslera/Bipolaris, among others). So far, these results showed that fungi correlate with local floral composition and regional climate being valuable tools with forensic applications. Although, there´s a need to continue working on this kind of experimental research using NPPs as reliable proxies for a concrete application in forensic sciences like elucidating the crime scene.