Detection of chlorine and bromine in free liquid from the sphenoid sinus as an indicator of seawater drowning

• We analyzed liquids in sphenoid sinus by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).
• Chlorine and bromine were detected in sphenoid sinus liquids of seawater drowning cases.
• The detection of chlorine and bromine in sphenoid sinus liquids could be a supportive measure of drowning in seawater.

We have investigated the usefulness of elemental analysis by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) in the examination of free liquid from the sphenoid sinus of drowning victims. We detected both chlorine and bromine in liquid taken from the sphenoid sinus of seawater drowning victims. Because these elements were below the quantification limit in freshwater cases, we could easily distinguish seawater from freshwater drowning cases. Detection of these elements from the liquid in the sphenoid sinuses of drowning victims may be useful as a supportive measure for seawater drowning.

Chlorine (left) and bromine (right) concentrations of liquid from sphenoid sinuses in seawater drowning cases, freshwater drowning cases and non-drowning cases. B.Q.L.: below the quantification limit (chlorine: 5.33 mg/ml, bromine: 20 μg/ml).Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (44 K)Download as PowerPoint slide