İstanbul'da çeşi̇tli̇ i̇lçelerden alinan islak ve kuru toprak örnekleri̇ni̇n adli̇ mi̇krobi̇yoloji̇k yönden araştirilmasi

In forensic cases, the crime scene investigation and the evidence obtained as a result of this investigation are of great importance in the clarification of the events. One of the most important tools guiding forensic science in investigating a suspicious incident is the soil with its complicated structure. Soil is a mixture of a wide variety of particles, ongoing; climate, bedrock, topography, living organisms and natural factors such as time in different regions of the soil shows a different composition and characteristic structure. Soil contains millions of microorganisms from different groups. Because soil is a very favorable environment for the growth of microorganisms. Bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes are microscopic organisms in the soil that show various activities. Their presence and proportion in the soil varies according to factors such as season, humidity, temperature, pH, depth, soil structure and moisture. Comparison of morphology of these microorganisms enables identification of soil samples. In this study, soil identification was made according to districts by making use of highly variable microbial distribution of soil and this study was conducted to reveal the contribution of soil to the solution of forensic events. Our study consisted of 20 different districts from both continents previously identified in Istanbul. Within the scope of each district; different areas of forest, mountainous and wetland were preferred in order to see forensic and soil diversity away from settlements where forensic cases could occur. Both dry and wet soil samples were collected from these areas at specific depths (5-30 cm) and in sterile conditions were placed on the plates as soon as possible to reach the laboratory. One slide was buried in each excavated spot to see all the microbial activity in the soil and one day later they were collected and delivered to the laboratory under the same conditions. Laboratory analysis of each sample was carried out with macroscopic, microscopic, culture and commercial identification systems and identification was provided. Obtained results were compared and these data showed the contribution of forensic sciences to the microbiological aspect of soil, which is an important physical evidence in the evaluation of criminal events. Thus, the usability of microorganisms in the soil as an indicator for identification of the soil was seen. A total of 16 microbiota members were identified. Bacteria were determined in 100% of soil samples and fungi were determined in 80% of the soil samples and a database was created from the soil samples taken. This data obtained from Istanbul was also provided to form a model in terms of geographic information systems to be used in the future. As a result, it has been shown that by collecting and examining the soil evidence appropriately, the microorganisms present in the soil can be used as an indicator for the identification of the soil, and the perpetrator of the crime can be apprehended or laundered in an innocent to be associated with the crime. Key Words: Forensic Sciences, Soil Microbiology, Identification.