Dissolution does not affect grass phytolith assemblages

Dissolution is one among several taphonomical processes that may bias paleoenvironmental, paleoclimatic or taxonomic interpretation of phytolith assemblages. To improve our understanding dissolution on grass phytoliths, we studied systematic changes surface features, morphotype assemblages, and rates phytoliths extracted from two species Hyparrhenia involucrata (Panicoideae), Nastus borbonicus (Bambusoideae), soil La Réunion Island (approximate mean age < 800 yr), three paleosols Ethiopia 4.4 million years). We used heavy-liquid to extract 1% Na2CO3 perform partial experiments. Physicochemical properties, morphotypes, assemblages were analyzed using optical scanning electron microscopy, laser diffraction, X-ray diffractometry. Our results show 1) different have rates: the leaves (Panicoideae) are more prone than those (Bambusoideae). 2) Silicon (Si) released by (i.e., rate) decreases as follows: plant > paleosol. 3) leads cavity formation surfaces disappearance fragile silica particles. 4) Partial does not significantly change percentages common morphotypes in a given assemblage. These provide benchmark for assessing reliability paleoenvironmental reconstructions buried soils sediments.