Question

How can analysis of pollen and spore evidence be used in crime scene and criminal investigation?

Answer 1

Successful use in forensic applications of pollen and spores may rely on the expertise and experience of the palynologist. With nearly half-a-million types of spores and pollen, telling one pollen or spore from another can take a lot of experience. Knowledge and understanding of plant ecology and plant communities in and around the crime scene area, or the area where pollen samples were gathered, is required. In order to comprehend and interpret the anticipated complete palynomorphic assemblage retrieved in forensic samples, a thorough understanding of palynology including knowledge of manufacturing, dispersal patterns, conservation potential, and identification of pollen and spores is crucial.

Timing is critical, as with most kinds of forensic evidence. The earlier the palynologist is called to explore a crime scene, the higher the likelihood of collecting quality samples. Because pollen and spores are tiny, light, readily recycled and present in the atmosphere in abundant quantities, recycled palynomorphs can rapidly contaminate a crime scene. These recycled palynomorphs may have been brought into the region on crime scene investigators ' garments or shoes, deposited out of the atmosphere, or from other non-crime scene sources if the collection of forensic pollen samples is postponed or improperly gathered.

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