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Plankton, microscopic single-celled organisms found in both saltwater and freshwater, plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems. It consists of plant-like species that perform photosynthesis and produce about 50% of the oxygen in the atmosphere, as well as animal species that feed on plant organisms or bacteria.
Plankton serves as the cornerstone of the marine food chain, with small fish relying on it as their primary food source. However, did you know that plankton also plays a critical role in forensic science, particularly in drowning investigations?
When drowning occurs, the victim exerts significant effort to inhale oxygen, causing water to enter the lungs and stomach. As a result, plankton cells enter the bloodstream, where they can be detected in samples taken during an autopsy. These cells act as vital evidence, aiding in the determination of the cause of death.
But plankton's role doesn't stop there. It also functions as a "biological fingerprint" of the water. Once plankton is identified in the tissues of the drowning victim, its genetic material can be analyzed, helping investigators trace the source of the water the victim was exposed to. Even if the body is moved after the drowning, the location of the incident can still be pinpointed with precision. This investigative technique has even appeared in popular shows like Hannibal.
While plankton is often invisible to the naked eye, there are larger species, such as jellyfish, known as "megaplankton."
Plankton is not just a small organism in the ocean it is a vital tool for forensic experts, offering crucial insights that may be key in solving drowning cases.