The forensic flora of Jaipur: Pollen analysis as a tool for science and justice

Saini, Bhawana and daga, Surya Shekhar (2025) The forensic flora of Jaipur: Pollen analysis as a tool for science and justice. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 23 (1). pp. 238-248. ISSN 2582-5542

Forensic palynology—the study of pollen and spores—has gained traction as an insightful discipline within forensic science, providing valuable perspectives in criminal investigations. Due to their minute size, durability, and species-specific characteristics, pollen grains serve as essential evidence that can create vital connections among suspects, victims, and crime scenes. This review centres on developing an extensive pollen profile for Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, and examines its utility as a scientific and legal resource. Jaipur's varied ecological environment, influenced by its semi-arid climate, urban growth, rural plant life, and seasonal changes, presents an excellent opportunity for creating a regional pollen database with substantial forensic potential. The study starts by presenting the key principles of forensic palynology, highlighting the robustness and uniqueness of pollen grains. Pollen is notably resistant to environmental breakdown, enabling it to persist in soil, water, and air for long durations. These qualities allow pollen to act as a silent yet influential witness in forensic cases, especially those involving homicides, illegal trafficking, and environmental offences. This review emphasizes how Jaipur’s distinctive vegetation, which comprises native plants, ornamental varieties, and seasonal flora, can yield a regionally unique pollen collection valuable for forensic purposes. Creating a pollen profile for Jaipur requires a thorough examination of the city’s vegetation across urban parks, gardens, farmland, and natural reserves. Methodical pollen sampling and morphological studies are essential components of this endeavour. This paper details the sample collection from various sources, including air, soil, water, clothing, and personal items, as part of constructing a comprehensive pollen database. It emphasises the detailed examination of pollen grains through light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), focusing on morphological traits—such as size, shape, apertures, and surface features—critical for species identification. The paper also delves into how seasonal changes in Jaipur’s flora affect pollen dispersal, offering insights into the environmental factors that drive pollen production and deposition. For instance, the blooming periods of various plant species can help establish chronological links to crimes, while understanding pollen dispersal can assist in identifying the geographic source of evidence. The review addresses the issue of pollen contamination and suggests standardized methods to minimize cross-contamination during collection and analysis. Regarding forensic applications, the study illustrates how a pollen profile for Jaipur can support investigators in deciphering intricate cases. Pollen evidence may connect suspects to crime scenes by revealing pollen grains on their clothes, shoes, or vehicles. Furthermore, pollen found on bodies can indicate if they were relocated after death or help determine burial locations. Specific pollen types associated with Jaipur’s native and decorative plants could serve as geographic indicators, establishing links to particular sites within or near the city. Additionally, this review highlights obstacles in implementing forensic palynology in India, particularly the absence of region-specific pollen databases and suitable training programs in forensic labs. It stresses the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among forensic scientists, botanists, and ecologists to create a pollen atlas for Jaipur, which would catalogue the morphological traits of the area’s pollen, along with its seasonal availability and geographical distribution. This resource would greatly enhance the evidentiary significance of pollen in forensic investigations and offer a reliable foundation for future research in this area. Beyond its forensic implications, developing a pollen profile for Jaipur could have wide-ranging benefits for environmental and public health studies. Knowledge of the region’s pollen composition can assist in air quality assessments, identification of allergenic plants, and urban planning aimed at sustainability. By integrating ecological and forensic viewpoints, this paper underscores the multidisciplinary essence of pollen analysis and its capacity to tackle varied issues. By concentrating on Jaipur's forensic flora, this paper highlights the transformative power of pollen analysis in linking scientific knowledge with judicial processes. The suggested pollen profile for Jaipur represents a progressive step toward enhancing forensic practices in India, opening new avenues for criminal investigations while also contributing to ecological studies. This review aspires to encourage increased awareness and application of forensic palynology in standard forensic practices and to establish Jaipur as a model of how local flora can be effectively utilized for scientific and legal ends. The conclusions of this paper advocate for the formulation of strong protocols and resources that can exploit the untapped potential of Jaipur’s flora, ultimately bolstering the application of forensic science across India