Contamination des collections naturalisées traitées aux biocides et mesures de conservation préventive

Abstract

We carried out a study on the contamination of the mammal and bird collection of the Natural History Museum of Neuchâtel by arsenic, mercury and lindane. Therefore, we have defined a methodology based on the study of the museum’s archive, on the setting up of a sampling and on a protocol for tests with portable XFR and FTIR devices. We also have first developed then applied some recommendations to protect the museum staff and any person in contact with the collections. Further, we have tried to establish a link with the contamination of the storeroom environment.

Keywords

• contamination
• pesticide
• X-ray fluorescence
• natural history specimen
• taxidermy
• naturalia