Manijeh Hadian Dehkordi, Rasoul Vatandoost, Christoph Herm, Stefan Simon, Volume 1, Issue 1 (Special Issue 1.1 2017)
Abstract
The dangers posed by O3to historical properties and art works, as well as limited accessibility and inapplicable instrumental methods for measuring O3concentrationhave made it much more necessary to use low tech and inexpensive methods for this purpose in almost all museum environments. On the other hand, elastomers are known as polymers with high reactivity to ozone and latex as a natural elastomer is the most sensitive one to this gaseous pollutant. Hence this polymer has been considered as an ozone dosimeter.
In this scientific investigation, in order to attain the ozone dosimeter, the effect of this gas on the latex strips prepared in artificial condition was studied. For this purpose an aging chamber equipped with ozone generator was used. Since the oxidation of latex strips can also occur as a result of UV radiations, in order to study and compare the process with Ozone gas, testing samples were aged using UV lamps of 254 and 366 nm wavelengths. All the examinations were carried out at 24 oC and 40% RH. The aged and intact latex strips were studied by means of ATR-FT-IR and digital microscope.
The results demonstrate the diverse and discernible oxidizing effects of O3 and UV radiations on latex. Furthermore, it is possible to estimate the concentration of ozone in the environment by the calibration of latex strips. The verification of the results obtained by latex dosimeters in museum environments was carried out by Ozone sensor over a day, confirming the results acquired.
This research is an exploration of the environmental conditions for preserving photographic glass plates in storage and how environmental parameters influence each other. Understanding the extent to which environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity, pollutants, and light can interact with one another—and recognizing that they cannot be assessed independently—can play a critical role in establishing suitable environmental conditions for these works, especially photographic glass plates. Based on conducted studies, photographic glass plates are subject to serious damage risks similar to other visual artworks and sometimes even more so. Given the historical and artistic value of these pieces, as well as their potential utility as documents providing valuable information, it becomes clear why preventive conservation measures for this category of artifacts are vital, especially considering that treatment and restoration processes can be extremely challenging or even impossible.The aim of this research is to introduce standard and appropriate environmental conditions for the preservation of photographic glass plates.The content presented in this article results from studies and observations derived from reviewing relevant literature on the topic while also taking into account the condition of existing works within collections dedicated to glass-based photography. This study identifies appropriate environmental conditions including temperature, humidity, light levels, and permissible pollutant thresholds for this category of artworks. Additionally, it examines how these various environmental parameters relate to one another and affect each other’s impact. At the same time, it addresses ways to control these environmental factors and prevent certain damages that may occur when suitable conditions are not maintained.
Valuable cultural heritage is always exposed to the invasion of biological agents and the resulting destruction, especially when the physical and chemical conditions of the work and its surrounding environment are compatible with the characteristics of an organism or a microorganism. Therefore, preventing the occurrence of such conditions and limiting the invasion of biological agents should be among the main and primary goals of every center. Over the years, various methods such as the use of disinfectants have been used to control biological agents in various historical and cultural collections. With the passage of time and increasing awareness of the harmful effects of these substances on the treated works, the environment and the users, nowadays the use of non-toxic alternative methods is more recommended. Experience has shown that the method that causes the least damage to collections and employees is preventive methods and regular control, which is possible through monitoring and managing the environment. Integrated pest management with the ultimate goal of removing harmful biological agents from a place is one of the long-term preventives and non-toxic methods of controlling biological agents that is used in many museums, archives, and libraries. In this article, along with a brief overview of biological deterioration and its preventive and control strategies, microbiological monitoring of the air inside 4 storerooms in the world heritage complex of Golestan Palace Museum including: the anthropological clothing, the manuscripts, the carpets, and the Painting storerooms was carried out. For this purpose, air sampling was done by sedimentation method and isolated microbial colonies on the culture media were investigated and identified. The results of the microbiological monitoring of the air inside the storerooms in this study showed that except for the carpet storeroom, other studied storerooms, including the anthropological clothing, the manuscript and the painting storerooms, are acceptable in terms of the number of microorganisms in the air.
