I'm working with time sensitive samples and I need to find a way to kill sponge pieces underwater instantaneously. I cannot wait to to do it on the boat.
Someone suggested dropping the piece into a 50% EtOH solution that's been mixed with denser seawater (to prevent spilling the ethanol), but I am trying to avoid carbon contamination. The tissue will eventually be used for stable isotope analysis, and I also want to stir clear of toxic chemicals... I'm at a loss for ideas.
I'd appreciate any help, thank you!
Have you tried hydrogen peroxide. Non polluting most effective killer of microorganisms. A bit aggressive for cell tissue though.
You can try using brine at beyond 280 parts per thousand. Pour that brine over the immersed sponges, & as it gets slowly diluted with sea water, over a period of minutes, I suppose it will work.
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