Effects of nutrient replacement on benthic macroinvertebrates in an ultraoligotrophic reach of the Kootenai River, 2003–2010



If lab grade ethanol is unavailable, we suggest purchasing isopropyl alcohol over denatured alcohol as it is not as smelly and doesn't have nasty additives.  

Purchase the highest percentage of Isopropyl you can find. Stores should sell up to 70%, just make sure it isn't diluted too much with water and debris while collecting.  

Isopropyl should also be buffered with a few drops of glycerin and a pinch of calcium carbonate (crush antacid tablets), this keeps the organisms from becoming too brittle. 

If excess water is not added to jar and the jar is filled not more than half way with organic material and and the Isopropyl is buffered, this preservation will be good enough for long term storage.  

If you you end up using denatured ethanol, please follow the same guidelines and this solution should be buffered in the same fashion as isopropyl, which would allow for similar storage time