[Nhcoll-l] Long-term storage solutions for mollusc and micromollusc collections – experiences and ideas welcome

[Marion BILLOT]

Dear all,

I’m reaching out to ask whether any of you have already reflected on or implemented conservation storage solutions for mollusc and micromollusc collections. We are currently exploring various options and would be very interested in hearing about your experiences, thoughts, or recommendations.
To help contextualize our request, I’d like to briefly share some of our current considerations.

Macromolluscs (picture 1) Until now, these specimens were stored in “museum-quality” cardboard trays (not certified), glued with white glue onto chipboard panels, placed in unidentified plastic sleeves, and then laid out on wooden/MDF drawers.
This setup raises several concerns:

  *   emission of VOCs from materials (wood, glue),
  *   plastic sleeves creating microclimates,
= increased risk of Byne’s disease.
We have started replacing the trays and their backing with ISO 16245-certified conservation board, using starch paste. We're now considering replacing the plastic sleeves and MDF trays with archival-quality boxes, possibly with or without viewing windows (photo 2).
Has anyone reconditioned similar collections or found other long-term solutions?

Micromolluscs We currently use two storage systems:

  1.  microscope slides (some with chipboard elements, which we aim to replace – photo 4),
  2.  glass tubes containing gelatine capsules, plugged with non-chlorine-bleached cotton wool, and placed in plastic boxes (photo 3).
Points of concern:

  *   soda-lime glass is unstable over time; borosilicate glass would be more durable, though its cost is a limiting factor given the quantity (perhaps reserved for types),
  *   gelatine capsules may acidify with time, which is problematic for shells,
  *   cotton wool: difficult to source in untreated, unbleached, non-food-grade quality.
We are considering cellulose-based capsules as a potential alternative, but we lack data on their aging behaviour. Testing would be needed.

If you’ve worked on similar issues, developed other solutions, or have suggestions for suitable materials or suppliers, I would love to hear from you. Thank you in advance for any feedback!

Best regards,
Marion Billot



Marion BILLOT
Collaboratrice support scientifique

Invertébrés

T. +41 22 418 6459
marion.billot at geneve.ch

Muséum d'histoire naturelle (MHN)
Département de la culture et de la transition numérique
Route de Malagnou 1
1208 Genève
www.museum-geneve.ch





Notre environnement est fragile, merci de n'imprimer ce message qu'en cas de nécessité.
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