Possible interferences of some conservation treatments with subsequent studies on fossil bones: A conservator's overview

Most fossil bones involved in archaeological or paleontological studies may undergo conservation or preparation treatments prior to the researchers' analyses. In fact, these treatments are often the only way to recover and save these materials, and consequently to allow research work to be successfully completed. Nevertheless, some conservation methods and/or materials may negatively interfere with subsequent studies. This paper reviews experimental works specifically directed towards assessing the possible effects of two common conservation techniques: cleaning and consolidation. These studies deal with the effects of these techniques on bone surface topography as well as on the analysis of some components of the bone tissues (such as isotopes and DNA). They show that some negative effects can in many cases be overcome. Further research is needed to provide conservators with helpful information with which to plan their interventions and maximize the usefulness of subsequently collected information. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd and INQUA. All rights reserved.