Of Microbes and Art: The Role of Microbial Communities in the Degradation and Protection of Cultural Heritage

by Orio Ciferri, Piero Tiano, Giorgio Mastromei

Overview

Microbial defacement and degradation of artistic or historic artifacts is a worldwide problem affecting all countries regardless of their hi story, geographical location, or economic conditions. This is the firs t comprehensive study of the role of microbial colonization on the deg radation of different cultural artifacts (from buildings to books, wal l paintings, textiles, sculptures and glass) and of the investigations into the compounds utilized to control microbial invasion. The book f ocuses on three main areas: the identification of the microorganisms w hich cause structural damage; methods to reduce or prevent microbial c olonization and damage; and the use of microorganisms for the protecti on and bioremediation of cultural artifacts.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780306463778
Publisher:	Plenum Publishing Corporation
Publication date:	06/28/2000
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	250
Product dimensions:	6.68(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.84(d)

Table of Contents

Contributors. Preface. Part 1: Ecology of microbial communities developing on art works. Recent advances in the molecular biology and ecophysiology of meristematic stone-inhabiting fungi; C. Urzì, et al. Molecular tools applied to the study of deteriorated artworks; D. Daffonchio, et al. Molecular approaches for the assessment of microbial deterioration of objects of art; S. Rölleke, et al. Comparative studies of microbial communities on stone monuments in temperate and semi-arid climates; E. May, et al. Occurrence and fluctuation in photosynthetic biocoenoses dwelling on stone monuments; L. Tomaselli, et al. Microbial communities in salt efflorescences; L. Laiz, et al. Characterisation of endolithic communities of stone monuments and natural outcrops; O. Salvadori. Part 2: Biosusceptibility of organic and inorganic constituents. Patina; T. Dornieden, et al. A laboratory investigation of the microbial degradation of cultural heritage; A. Seves, et al. Fungal fox spots and others; M.-L.E. Florian. Polymers and resins as food for microbes; R.J. Koestler. Biodegradability of products used in monuments' conservation; P. Tiano, et al. Part 3: Control and utilization of microorganisms. Integrated concepts for the protection of cultural artifacts against biodeterioration; T. Warscheid. Bacterial carbonatogenesis and applications to preservation and restoration of historic property; S. Castanier, et al. Bacterial genes involved in calcite crystal precipitation; B. Perito, et al. Bioremediation of cultural heritage: removal of sulphates, nitrates and organic substances; G. Ranalli, et al. Index.

Editorial Reviews

'...these words of caution, this book is an extremely useful guide and should greatly assist in the further training of conservators.'
Antiquity, 75 (2001)

From the Publisher