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

[Ian Hart]

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.

The possible corrosion products on the cut or drilled srfaces may show
where the bare aluminum has been exposed on an otherwise protected surface.

-- 
Ian Hart

Preparator
Exhibit Studio
California Academy of Sciences
55Music Concourse Drive
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco CA 94118
(415) 379-5879


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
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