ABSTRACT The procedures for a set of techniques to recover grains of pollen 26 and spores from liquid samples are described. Liquefied samples of matrices, such as melting lakes, snow and ice, can provide a record of climatic and environmental events at different geographic and temporal scales. The need for standardization of techniques was demonstrated in research carried out with matrices of snow and water of thawing lakes and snow collected on King George and Joinville islands (Antarctica). The use of the methods described can permit increased rescue of palynomorphs from liquid matrices, thereby adding greater reliability to palynological data and its use as a biotracer of environmental events. Methods of sieving and centrifugation were tested, and sieving proved more efficient for the matrices analyzed.

: Created on June 6, 1818 by D. Joao VI, King of Portugal, Brazil and Algarves, the Museu Real/ Royal Museum (later renamed Museu Nacional/National Museum) designed as the centralizer of studies and research relating to natural sciences in Brazil. In this founding decree, the strategic relevance of the new institution was highlight. There was an underlying understanding that the produced knowledge and deposited collections will contribute to the economic and cultural development of the kingdom. Throughout its history, the institution expanded, established partnerships, international cooperation and undergone several transformations: from its name, its headquarters and its position in the government structure. Currently integrated to the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro/Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and with over 300 professionals in its permanent staff (plus contracted employees and students), the Museu Nacional, continues the tradition of cutting edge in research devoted to Natural History and Anthropology, and maintain an invaluable collection, ever expanding.

Creado el 6 de Junio de 1818 por D. Joáo VI, rey de Portugal, Brasil y Algarve, el entonces Museo Real (posteriormente denominado Museo Nacional) se ideó como el centro de los estudios e investigaciones relativas a las ciencias naturales en Brasil. En su decreto de fundación, la relevancia estratégica de la nueva institución se destacó por el entendimiento implícito de que los conocimientos a ser producidos y sus colecciones depositadas contribuirían al desarrollo económico y cultural del reino. A lo largo de su historia, la institución se expande, establece alianzas, cooperaciones internacionales y sufre diversas transformaciones: desde su nombre, su sede y su posición en la estructura gubernamental. Actualmente está vinculado a la Universidad Federal de Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) y tiene más de 300 profesionales en su equipo permanente (además de colaboradores y alumnos), el Museo Nacional, mantiene la tradición puntera en las investigaciones dedicadas a la Historia Natural y Antropología, además de haber constituido un inestimable fondo, siempre en expansión.