The comparison of decrease in mice mass preserved with formalin 4% and neutralize with sodium bicarbonate

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Biochemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Cadaver preservation is essential for anatomical studies.
• Traditional burial in Indonesia delays decomposition and causes pollution.
• Formalin, a common preservative, has toxic environmental effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the mass reduction of mice preserved in formalin versus neutralized formalin.
• To evaluate the impact of sodium bicarbonate neutralization on formalin toxicity and decomposition rates.

Main Methods:

• 18 mice (Mus musculus) were divided into three groups: control, 4% formalin, and 4% formalin neutralized with sodium bicarbonate.
• All groups were buried for six weeks.
• Mass changes were analyzed as a percentage of total mass reduction.

Main Results:

• The formalin group exhibited a greater percentage of mass reduction compared to the neutralized group.
• The formalin group showed a higher decomposition rate than the neutralized sodium bicarbonate group.
• Neutralization with sodium bicarbonate effectively reduced formalin's inhibitory effect on decomposition.

Conclusions:

• 4% formalin, when neutralized with sodium bicarbonate, accelerates cadaver decay and mass reduction.
• This method offers a potentially more environmentally friendly approach to cadaver preservation for anatomical studies.
• Neutralization of formalin is recommended to mitigate environmental pollution and facilitate decomposition.