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Nelson, W. A. & Falshaw, R.: Irreversible deterioration of some carrageenophytes (Rhodophyta) in herbaria. – Taxon 48: 325-329. 1999. – ISSN 0040-0262.
Recent examination of herbarium specimens of certain red algal genera possessing carrageenan cell wall material polysaccharides (Gigartina, Callophyllis) has revealed that some material is undergoing serious and irreversible deterioration within apparently stable herbarium conditions. Damage is apparently caused by sulphuric acid, produced through hydrolysis of sulphate half-ester groups associated with carrageenans and resulting in extremely low pH values (0-1) in affected thallus portions. Measures are recommended to halt incipient damage and hopefully save affected specimens from total destruction.
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Effective publication date: May 1999