Development of a Comprehensive Pollen and Spore Catalog Using Advanced Laboratory Techniques: A Case Study of Contemporary Dried and Fresh Flower Specimens from Bangladesh

Abstract

This study focuses on the preparation of dry and fresh flower samples for pollen and spore observation using advanced laboratory techniques, identification of morphological characteristics, and the development of a pollen catalog that provides valuable insights into ecology and pollen morphology for different taxa. This research contributes to the field of palynology, an essential discipline in stratigraphy and biostratigraphy, by creating a detailed pollen catalog that enhances our understanding of paleoenvironmental conditions, depositional history, and potential hydrocarbon presence. Twenty-six fresh and dried flower samples from Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, and Dhaka Districts have been analyzed using acetolysis techniques. Pollen morphologies were examined at 400x and 1000x magnifications through transmitted and fluorescence light microscopy, and high-resolution imaging of one species was further enhanced with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). Pollen morphology documented for twenty-five species across twelve families, including Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Solanaceae, Poaceae, Rubiaceae, Campanulaceae, Melastomataceae, Malvaceae, Verbenaceae, Oleaceae, and Heliotropiaceae as well as one spore from the Lygodiaceae family. The resulting catalog provides valuable ecological insights by highlighting morphological features and taxonomic classifications. It is an essential resource for researchers and professionals involved in Holocene pollen studies. This work contributes to the understanding of palynology and underscores the importance of advanced analytical technologies in reconstructing the prehistoric environment of Bangladesh. The data gathered is crucial for comprehending the ecological evolution of the world's largest delta.