Fixation and preservation of museum marine collections using formaldehyde/glutaraldehyde mixes

Abstract

Describes an investigation into the suitability of buffered formaldehyde/glutaraldehyde mixes as general fixatives and storage solutions for marine animals. By comparison with material held in formaldehyde only, mixes showed a number of advantages. The effectiveness of buffers sodium orthophosphate and sodium glycerophosphate in maintaining pH stability were investigated. Sodium orthophosphate was found to be unsatisfactory for some marine invertebrates. Details of the best specimen preservation medium are given.