An Experimental Approach to the Disaggregation of Samples from Peat Deposits

Joanna Bending

Environmental Archaeology, 2005, vol. 10, issue 1, 83-90

Abstract: The analysis of plant macrofossils from peat deposits is a common procedure, but little work has been undertaken to assess the chemical and mechanical methods of disaggregating samples mentioned by researchers in their methodologies. Experimental work was carried out on material from a peat monolith from the Faroe Islands to ascertain the effectiveness of processing using a sonic bath, sodium carbonate and potassium hydroxide for disaggregating the samples. The amount of damage caused to different modern plant parts was also assessed. The results indicate that sodium carbonate and potassium hydroxide are the most effective methods of disaggregation. Damage to plant parts was caused more quickly by potassium hydroxide than sodium carbonate.

Date: 2005
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DOI: 10.1179/env.2005.10.1.83

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