Abstract
Quaternary palynology commonly requires the use of acids such as hydrogen fluoride (HF), sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ), hydrochloric acid (HCl) to extract pollen grains and spores from sediments. In South America, the restricted access of these acids made the development of fossil pollen studies challenging. Here we propose an alternative protocol for pollen processing exempted of the use of acids. This protocol was developed to enable broader, safer, and less expensive access to palynological research since the barriers imposed by reagent controls are withdrawn. Moreover, our protocol responds to environmental protection policies. Special attention was paid to the quality of the pollen grains and spores obtained at the end of processing with similar or even better preservation than conventional protocols. Also, our protocol was tested on three different sediment environments (peat, lake, and swamp). Our successful and satisfactory results provide new research opportunities in Quaternary palynology for those countries where the reagents are not available or too expensive.