Validation of modified diatom test (Reverse aqua regia digestion method) for diagnosis of drowning in WILD animals

Abstract

Drowning is a common cause of mortality in wildlife, yet its definitive diagnosis remains challenging due to nonspecific post-mortem findings. The diatom test, long used in human forensics, requires validation before adoption in veterinary forensic investigations. This study evaluates the reverse aqua regia digestion method for detecting diatoms in lung tissues of wild animals. A drowning case involving a tiger was examined and compared with a non-drowning control. The presence of Cymatopleura elliptica and Achnanthes minutissima in the drowning case confirmed ante-mortem water aspiration, whereas the control sample was negative for diatoms. This method demonstrates improved applicability and reliability of reverse aqua regia digestion method in wildlife forensic diagnostics.