The hidden agglutinated foraminifera of the mid-Cretaceous hemipelagic carbonate deposits: A method–derived bias?

Five different micropaleontological methods (H2O2, Glauber's salt, liquid nitrogen, acetic acid + Copper(ll) sulfate, and formic acid) were applied to study the differences of obtained agglutinated foraminiferal faunas typical hemipelagic carbonate deposits mid-Cretaceous Europe, prove whether there is a method–derived bias knowledge about in these sedimentological settings. Split samples same weight treated with each method compare overall (calcareous agglutinated) numbers foraminifers per gram, genera sample. The results show that number gram strongly vary between 0.1 7.8 use standard methods. With application acid, more are than any other tested method. 1.5 211.0 times higher residues. Furthermore, at least 2/3 species completely missing Consequently, not applicable whole fauna, utility settings obvious. A separate both Copper(II) sulfate on suggested for studies precise description suggested.