Macroalgae
Definition
Filamentous or thalloid algae visible to the naked eye, such as Spirogyra, Cladophora, Enteromorpha, and Chaetophora. They colonise sheltered margins, shallow water, and submerged surfaces. Their presence as fragments on clothing or vehicles indicates contact with vegetated shallow water.
- Visibility
- Naked eye (filamentous or thalloid forms)
- Example genera
- Spirogyra, Cladophora, Enteromorpha, Chaetophora
- Habitat
- Sheltered margins, shallow water, submerged surfaces
- Forensic use
- Fragments indicate contact with vegetated shallow water
Common questions
How does macroalgae evidence differ from diatom evidence in aquatic cases?+
Diatoms are microscopic and can be recovered from internal organs to help establish drowning, while macroalgae fragments are visible and typically recovered from clothing or a vehicle, pointing to external contact with a specific shallow, vegetated water body.
What can macroalgae fragments on clothing help investigators narrow down?+
Because different genera colonise different habitats, such as sheltered margins versus flowing water, the species present can help narrow the likely type or location of water contact in a case.
Related terms
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- Phytoplankton
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