<div dir="ltr"><br>While I can't answer questions about the chemistry of metals in formalin solutions, I do know that a great deal of the aluminum metal shapes sold for fabrication of doors and windows are anodized. <br><br>The possible
corrosion products on the cut or drilled srfaces may show where the bare
aluminum has been exposed on an otherwise protected surface.<br>
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-- <br><div class="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr">Ian Hart<div><br></div><div>Preparator</div><div>Exhibit Studio</div><div>California Academy of Sciences</div><div>55Music Concourse Drive</div><div>Golden Gate Park</div><div>San Francisco CA 94118</div><div>(415) 379-5879 </div><div><br><br>From: Sharklife Projects <<a href="mailto:projects@sharklife.co.za">projects@sharklife.co.za</a>><br>Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 3:41 AM<br>To: Alexandra Snyder; Monica Solis<br>Cc: 'Grant Smith'<br>Subject: Information request: problems with preserving specimens (formalin)<br><br><br>Dear Sir/ Madam,<br><br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>The animals have been in the tanks since about one year, and the growth continues.<br><br>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.<br><br>We are hoping to hear from you soon.<br><br>Thank you for the help and time,<br>With kind regards,<br><br>Alina Hillinger<br><br>Sharklife Project Co-ordinator<br>Sharklife Ocean Center<br>No.7 Main Road<br>Sodwana Bay<br>3794<br>+27 35 571 0417<br></div></div></div>
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