Adonia Alexopoulos
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Jennifer Bauer
Co-Presenter: Maniaci, Giana
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Museum of Paleontology / LSA
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: Session 2 – 11am – 11:50am
Room: League Ballroom
Authors: Adonia Alexopoulos, Giana Maniaci, Jennifer Bauer
Presenter: 18
Abstract
Despite the extensive research that has been done on pyrite disease pertaining to vertebrate fossils, research evaluating pyrite disease in the context of invertebrates is lacking. Further, little has been done to characterize the complexities of pyrite disease in the context of treatment options. We have developed a thorough characterization process in order to assess the degree of decay on the fossil from pyrite disease. From looking at its geographic location and thus its formation, we also used X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis to better characterize the iron sulfide minerals (and impurities) in order to better understand what minerals and elements that are at play in the pyrite decay. During the characterization process there was also dry mechanical removal of the byproduct of pyrite disease to further characterize the fossil. Once characterization is complete, chemical treatment of pyrite was applied depending on the degree of decay and the composition of the fossil. Through this research, we hope to cultivate a new approach to assessing pyrite disease in invertebrate fossils and stabilizing the disease for the preservation of specimens.
Interdisciplinary, Natural/Life Sciences, Natural/Life Sciences
