Indicative value of non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) and palynofacies for palaeoreconstructions: Holocene Peat, Brazil

Abstract

The results of the palynological study of the samples from the core, performed in the Aguas Claras peatland, RS, Brazil (50°45′00″W, 30°00′15″S), focus on detailed taxonomic analysis of non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) and palynofacies from the Holocene peat and underline the Late Pleistocene mud and sandy mud that were represented. NPPs from the samples revealed taxonomic variety of fungal palynomorphs, presented by Brachysporium, Clastesporium, Dicellaesporites, Dicellaeporisporites, Gelasinospora, Glomus, Sordaria, Helicoon, and others. The habitats of above mentioned taxa are varied: aquatic, mycorrhizal, parasitic, organic matter decaying, and dung-coprophilous. Freshwater algal palynomorphs were composed of Botryococcus, Closterium, Debarya, Mougeotia, Pseudoschizaea, Spirogyra, and Zygnema. The percentage ratio between algal and fungal palynomorphs was changed from the different samples of the core, reflecting climatic oscillations (more humid-dryer). Prevalence of fungal palynomorphs was connected with dryer climate, and on the contrary, freshwater algal palynomorph predominance was related with increasing humidity. The six palynomorph zones that corresponded to the six principal phases of environmental and climatic changes were determined. The zone from the uppermost part of peat was characterized by relatively frequent dungcoprophilous and parasitic fungi, as a result of agricultural and domestic activities. Palynofacies analysis combined to NPPs was used for palaeoenvironmental and paleoclimatic reconstructions. Palynofacies from the samples were characterized by evident changes in relationship (%) between the different types of organic matter, their quality, and quantity and fluorescence index. The obtained data contribute to the understanding of the peat deposition. The combined use of NPPs and palynofacies analyses provided a valuable approach for the paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic reconstructions.