Introduction:
Metagenomics is the study of the genetic material of all microorganisms in an environmental sample. It has become a powerful tool in detecting environmental crimes.
Content:
In cases of environmental pollution or poisoning, metagenomics is used to analyze:
Soil or water samples
Industrial sludge
Traces of chemical or biological waste
To detect:
Contaminants
Source of germs or bacteria
Environmental changes resulting from suspicious human activity
Forensic Application:
It is used to identify the perpetrator of environmental destruction (such as unlicensed factories or toxic leaks) and helps support environmental legal cases.
Conclusion:
Metagenomics gives investigators the ability to "read" the crime scene environment and identify the perpetrator by analyzing subtle changes in microscopic life.
University of Al-Mustaqbal – The First University in Iraq