[Nhcoll-l] Treating mold in archaeological soil samples?

[Melicker, Liz]

Hi Listers -
We have some archaeological soil samples in our collections that either have had or currently have active mold growth (about 3 cubic feet of material total, in 250-500 g cloth bags). We've quarantined them away from other collection items, but are looking to see whether there are any treatments that can be used to arrest the active biological growth, without compromising future analysis (e.g., archaeoparasitology, palynology, geochemistry, etc.).
The conservation studio we work with does not work on soil, and suggested anoxia treatment likely won't work. They suggested that desiccating the samples then spraying them with ethanol might work. We've also heard freezing is an option. And of course, going forward, we're working with our archaeology team to implement preventative procedures when soil samples are collected so that we avoid this issue.
Does anyone have experience with a similar situation and have advice with treatment that worked, or didn't work, particularly with an eye toward preserving future research potential?
Thanks in advance -
Warmly -
Liz
Liz N. Melicker she/her
LIHZ MEHL-ih-ker
Curator

Presidio Trust
Attn: Liz Melicker
1750 Lincoln Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94129
t. (415) 561-5300
m. (415) 471-5007
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