[Nhcoll-l] 95% vs. ~70% EtOH?

[Simon Moore]

Dear Sonia,

Dries sums it up neatly and I would add that I have used 80%IMS (with methanol in it, never with MEK as an adulterant as the EU is saying!) and which worked well for gorgonian and other octocorals, and it was cheaper (for UK) than ethanol.

With all good wishes, Simon

Simon Moore RScI, MIScT, FLS, ACR,
Conservator of Natural Sciences and Cutlery Historian,

 www.natural-history-conservation.com 
www.pocket-fruit-knives.info 

http://uk.linkedin.com/in/naturalsciencespecimenconserve
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Sonia Rowley 
  To: nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu 
  Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2014 9:31 AM
  Subject: [Nhcoll-l] 95% vs. ~70% EtOH?


  Dear List


  I am writing with regards any experience and evidence for and against the use of 95% or ~70% EtOH for longterm invertebrate (specifically gorgonian coral) specimen preservation for collections. More and more institutions seem to be turning to 95% EtOH, however, there are numerous conflicting thoughts and evidence with regards the use of higher concentrations for longterm specimen storage. Furthermore, I understand that there are 2 types of high EtOH concentration; clean and dirty with the latter being far cheaper but unsuitable for genetic analyses. 


  Whilst collections are indeed a taxonomic concern, this does include the use of molecular work as part of the suite of tools in determining species differences. The collections I have worked in using ~95% EtOH have had good success with both storage and genetic work, but these specimens may often be a maximum of 1 - 2 decades old. Conversely, others mention caveats such as the high concentration dehydrating the specimen to such an extent that it disrupts the integrity of both specimen and DNA. At the same time the often high water content of specimens is said to bring down the EtOH concentration which may also cause issues with specimen degradation. 


  Please excuse the somewhat rudimentary nature of my question, there does seem a tremendous amount of confliction in what is recommend and therefore it would be really valuable to hear what people have to say and recommend from the list. 


  Thank you for your time with this matter and look forward to hearing any responses 


  Sonia


  -- 

  Sonia J. Rowley PhD

  Research Affiliate
  Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum
  1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, 
  HI 96817,,USA
  +1 808 348 6224



  Research Affiliate
  University of Hawai'i at Manoa
  2538 McCarthy Mall, Edmondson 312 
  Honolulu, HI 96822


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