Development of Advanced Forensic Techniques for Identification of Human Remains in Challenging Environments.
Submission: 11 October 2025 | Acceptance: 27 November 2025 | Publication: 17 December 2025
1Dr Mahwish Zeb, Kazim Khalid, Parveen Zamin,
1Assistant Professor, Department of forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Ayub Medical College Abbottabad
2AL Shifa Islamabad
Abstract
Background: The identification of human remains in challenging environments such as mass disasters, war zones, decomposed burial sites, aquatic settings, and burned or fragmented remains represents a major challenge in forensic science. Advances in forensic technologies have significantly improved the ability to identify victims under adverse environmental conditions.
Objective
To evaluate the development and effectiveness of advanced forensic techniques used for the identification of human remains in challenging environments.
Methods: A narrative review and analytical study were conducted using peer-reviewed forensic science literature, disaster victim identification reports, and case studies published between 2010 and 2025. The study analyzed modern techniques including DNA profiling, forensic anthropology, forensic odontology, radiological imaging, isotope analysis, and artificial intelligence-assisted reconstruction methods.
Results: Advanced DNA analysis methods, including mitochondrial DNA and next-generation sequencing, demonstrated high effectiveness in degraded and fragmented remains. Three-dimensional imaging, forensic anthropology, and dental identification significantly improved victim identification accuracy in mass disaster investigations. Emerging technologies such as AI-assisted facial reconstruction and isotope geolocation analysis enhanced identification capabilities. However, environmental degradation, contamination, limited reference samples, and logistical constraints remained significant challenges.
Conclusion: Advanced forensic technologies have greatly improved the identification of human remains in complex forensic scenarios. Continued development of multidisciplinary approaches, technological innovation, and international collaboration is essential for improving disaster victim identification and humanitarian forensic investigations.
Keywords: Forensic identification, Human remains, DNA profiling, Disaster victim identification, Forensic anthropology, Forensic odontology