[Nhcoll-l] Fw: Information request: problems with preserving specimens (formalin)

Tue Jul 25 11:53:46 EDT 2017

Hi Lex, Alina,

The suspicion of an acidic formalin solution reacting with aluminum to form
a gelatinous aluminum oxyhydroxide seems very plausible given that aluminum
oxide, which provides the passive coating on  aluminum, becomes soluble in
the pH 4 range. See, for example
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__corrosion-2Ddoctors.org_Corrosion-2DThermodynamics_Potential-2DpH-2Ddiagram-2Da&d=DwICAg&c=cjytLXgP8ixuoHflwc-poQ&r=LpYc_Z_iN1KRw0hheb3x6-8MJUMu482qfHowpGYJqwc&m=K3GiXPR_C_Ch_4sdeQ7JFoEqxF5uT7cl-suCp-3vIxk&s=JJF0Osw5uW7ugCgcS8PQY6qeTXY6ukb2TRPggEJRZX8&e= 
luminum.htm :

I suggest measuring the pH of the solution and requesting a museum
conservation science laboratory or university chemistry department do an
infrared (FTIR) analysis of a gel sample for you. If it is a corrosion of
aluminum problem then it might be correctable by adjusting the pH of the
solution and buffering into the pH 5 to 6 range. Cathodic protection of the
aluminum is another possibility but depending on what our zoological
preservation gurus think I suspect buffering the solution would be the
simpler approach. Ideally someone on our list will be able to provide a
referral to a natural science conservator in the region who could advise and
oversee or conduct corrective measures.

Best,

Rob

Robert Waller, PhD, CAPC, FIIC
President and Senior Risk Analyst
Protect Heritage Corp.
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skype: rrwaller

and, Research Associate, Canadian Museum of Nature
and, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Queen's University

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From: nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu
[mailto:nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu] On Behalf Of Alexandra Snyder
Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 11:13 AM
To: nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu
Subject: [Nhcoll-l] Fw: Information request: problems with preserving
specimens (formalin)

Dear Alina,  I am forwarding your request for information to the Society for
the Preservation of Natural History Collections, a group that can advise on
the source of the problem in your preservation tanks.  There may be a
reaction between the acidic formalin and aluminum supports.  You did not
mention the concentration of formalin used for shark specimens. The build
up/residue looks like the "stuff" or sludge found in carboys of old
formaldehyde that has been through temperature changes and exposure to air.
Is the build up crusty, solid, or soft and easily removed? 

Hopefully, the group can weigh in on this and make recommendations for
storage/display.   My own experience has only been with fixing and
preserving a shark contained (whole) in a very large stainless steel
tank-i.e., no exposure to light or fluctuation in temperatures.  I imagine
open displays present a whole suite of issues to consider in preservation.
The only long term "shark tank" display  that I am familiar with (via
online) is that of Damien Hirst and I have often wondered what is done to
maintain the shark in formalin, long-term, i.e., buffers, remixing, tank
construction, lighting, etc.  You may be familiar with his work but if not,
see attached. 

Best wishes, Lex

*************************************

Alexandra M Snyder, Collections Manager-Fishes

Museum of Southwestern Biology MSC03-2020

University of New Mexico Albuquerque NM 87131

PH./FAX 505.277.6005     amsnyder at unm.edu

PHYSICAL ADDRESS FOR FEDEX/UPS

Bldg.83  Room 204

302 Yale Blvd NE

  _____  

From: Sharklife Projects <projects at sharklife.co.za>
Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 3:41 AM
To: Alexandra Snyder; Monica Solis
Cc: 'Grant Smith'
Subject: Information request: problems with preserving specimens (formalin) 

Dear Sir/ Madam,

We are a Shark Conservation Group situated in South Africa, and currently
encounter some problems with the preserved shark specimens in our shark
center/museum. 

All of the specimens are contained in a glass box/aquarium which is filled
with a formaldehyde-water solution (formalin), and held in place with the
help of aluminum contractions and rods. 

At any place that the aluminum was cut or drilled a white, snow/dust/fungus
like substances is growing (photos are attached). We were thinking that
maybe at the cuts something is released or accessible for any reactions, or
that while cutting the aluminum some particles of the cutting device got
stuck. 

The animals have been in the tanks since about one year, and the growth
continues. 

We wanted to ask whether anyone in the museum has any knowledge regarded to
the preservation of animals in formalin and especially the growth of that
substance, or you know somebody who can help us.  Any information or contact
would be a great help. 

We are hoping to hear from you soon.

Thank you for the help and time,

With kind regards,

Alina Hillinger

Sharklife Project Co-ordinator

Sharklife Ocean Center

No.7 Main Road

Sodwana Bay

3794

+27 35 571 0417

www.sharklife.co.za

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