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A method for the preparation and quantification of microscopic charcoal from terrestrial and lacustrine sediment cores

Department of Geography, University of Newcastle, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NEI 7RU, UK

Existing methods of microscopic charcoal analysis are briefly reviewed. A simple but effective alter-native method for preparing and quantifying fossil microscopic charcoal in sediment samples from terrestrial and lacustrine cores is outlined. Weak hydrogen peroxide (6%f/o H₂0₂) is used to partially digest and bleach organic material in sediment samples. Charcoal particles are not bleached by the hydrogen peroxide and are thus easily identified when counted under a binocular dissecting microscope. The sample preparation procedure is extremely gentle on charcoal particles, much more so than the majority of existing methods, ensuring that little particle fragmentation occurs during preparation.

Key Words: Microscopic charcoal • preparation procedure • terrestrial sediment • lacustrine sediment

The Holocene, Vol. 8, No. 1, 113-117 (1998)
DOI: 10.1191/095968398671104653


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