Two methods of preparing thin sections of wet soil from sediments in a marine intertidal zone in the Oosterschelde (the Netherlands).

Abstract

Thin sections of immature marine sediments in the intertidal zone were prepared by replacement of the soil moisture by acetone, or by freeze drying, prior to embedding and sectioning. Replacement sections were of good quality and did not show artificial cracking. However preparation was time consuming and both salts and humic substances were removed by the acetone. Freeze dried sections were of poorer quality, but satisfactory. Artificial cracking was apparent. Preparation time was shorter but few salts were removed. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)