[Nhcoll-l] Effects of fluid preserved specimens on passive environmental systems

[Watkins-Colwell, Gregory]

I’m not a conservator, but since the ethanol would evaporate before the water, the risk of high humidity seems less than the fear of fire. And even that, you’d probably need to fill the entire display case with ETOH vapor, which may be far more than could come from the jar(s) on display, for that to be possible.  And I’d think that empty jars would be noticed long before things went “boom”.

On the other hand, you might worry that the reduced humidity would interfere with the ability of the closure on the jar to seal properly. But that can be worked around, if it’s an issue.  A little aquarium sealant could help resolve that.

Just my pre-coffee thoughts.

Greg


****************
Gregory J. Watkins-Colwell
Sr. Collection Manager, Herpetology and Ichthyology
Division of Vertebrate Zoology
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7789-9806
YALE PEABODY MUSEUM
Main Office: 203-432-3791;  West Campus: 203-737-7568; Fax 203-432-9277

Package shipping address:
Greg Watkins-Colwell
Division of Vertebrate Zoology
YALE PEABODY MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
170–210 Whitney Avenue
New Haven, CT 06511 USA
203-432-3791
******************

From: Nhcoll-l <nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu> On Behalf Of Bethany Palumbo
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2023 7:10 AM
To: SPNHC <nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu>; NATSCA at jiscmail.ac.uk
Subject: [Nhcoll-l] Effects of fluid preserved specimens on passive environmental systems

Hi all,

I would like to know if anyone has experienced adverse effects on passive environmental systems  from fluid preserved specimens displayed in 70% ethanol. Imagine the scenario that a display case has both fluid-preserved specimens in glass jars and taxidermy in the same case. I would want to add silica gel in the showcase to maintain a stable humidity for the taxidermy, but would the (30%) water content in the jars affect this? Obviously the quality of the sealant on the jar affects any evaporation rate, but how sealed is sealed enough? Does anyone know of any research in this specific issue?

Advice and experiences would be greatly appreciated!

--
Bethany Palumbo, ACR
Head of Conservation Unit

Statens Naturhistoriske Museum
Universitetsparken 15, 2100 København

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