"Bucket" - what is it, definition of the term
A bucket is a portable, typically cylindrical vessel equipped with a handle, constructed from materials such as plastic, metal, or wood, designed for the transport, storage, or dispensing of liquids, granular substances, or other materials; its shape and opening allow efficient filling and emptying, making it a fundamental tool in domestic, industrial, and agricultural settings.
Detailed information
A sturdy, sealable container is essential for gathering and transporting arthropods such as ticks, insects, lice, and fleas during field studies or pest‑control operations. The vessel must be constructed from chemically inert polymer or stainless steel to prevent degradation when exposed to ethanol, formalin, or other preservation fluids. A tight‑fitting lid equipped with a silicone gasket eliminates leaks and protects handlers from accidental exposure to live specimens.
The interior surface should be smooth to avoid injury to delicate organisms and to facilitate cleaning. Removable inserts, such as fine‑mesh screens or perforated trays, enable separation of different species without opening the main seal. Volume capacity is chosen based on anticipated catch size; common sizes range from 500 ml for single‑species sampling to 5 L for bulk collection.
Safety considerations include:
- a lockable latch that prevents accidental opening,
- a vented pressure‑relief valve when using volatile preservatives,
- a label panel for recording collection date, location, and specimen type,
- a secondary containment bag for transport in compliance with hazardous‑material regulations.
Cleaning protocols require a rinse with distilled water followed by a disinfectant soak (e.g., 10 % bleach solution) and thorough drying before reuse. For long‑term storage, specimens are transferred to labeled vials containing appropriate fixatives, while the container remains empty and sealed to avoid cross‑contamination.
When deploying in the field, the container is placed on a stable surface, filled with a preservative solution, and positioned beneath traps or on vegetation where arthropods are likely to fall. Rapid sealing after each collection minimizes escape risk and preserves specimen integrity for subsequent identification and analysis.