Palynology laboratory

Workflow in the palynology laboratory Source: BGR

Dinocystes, pollen and spores (palynomorphs) are chemically processed in the palynology laboratory. The first sample (P 1) dates from 27.10.1958; by 01.02.2020, a total of 82,267 samples has been treated.

Following the processing step shown here (see figure), solid preparations are produced in glycerine gelatine for examination with the light microscope. In quaternary pollen analysis, liquid preparations are mainly used.

Microscopic examinations are normally carried out in transmitted light, for dinocysts the use of interference contrast has proved to be effective. The finer structures can be best examined with the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Fluorescence microscopy is also used to determine the degree of carbonization and to detect adjustements.