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

Existing methods of microscopic charcoal analysis are briefly reviewed. A simple but effective alternative method for preparing and quantifying fossil microscopic charcoal in sediment samples from terrestrial and lacustrine cores is outlined. Weak hydrogen peroxide (6% H2O2) 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.