Abstract
The morphology of micro algae in three soil samples from muddy roads near poultry farms was examined for the forensic discrimination of soils. The surface of each sample was covered with green substance considered to be micro algae. Furthermore the soils contained other material that might interfere with the observation of the algae, therefore agar culture media was used as a method of separating the various alga species from the soil matrix. The C culture medium and Hyponex® were used for agar media and the C culture medium was also used for the liquid culture medium. Air-dried soil samples were dispersed with 10 times weight/volume of sterilized water in test tubes. A few drops of supernatant liquid were transferred and spread on the agar culture medium. Subsequently, observed colonies of algae were transplanted into the liquid culture medium. Colonies and cultured algae were observed under the stereomicroscope, and the biological microscope was also applied to detailed examination. Cyanophyceae and chlorophyceae were observed in all the samples and bacillariophyceae in only one of them. Morphological features of cyanophyceae and chlorophyceae are described, and also the classification scheme for forensic discrimination is proposed in this paper. The three soil samples were successfully discriminated by the comparison of algae according to the proposed classification protocol.
