Methods for control and monitoring of stone bio deterioration in archaeological sites

Kurzfassung

An Italian university research group developed innovative methods to characterise, monitor and control biological attack to stone caused by cyanobacteria, microalgae and associated heterotrophic microorganisms in archaeological sites. Researchers are looking for a partner for technical cooperation or commercial agreement with technical assistance.

Details

Italian researchers developed tools and methodologies to provide conservation and restoration managers with a better understanding of the development of cyanobacteria-dominated biofilms in hypogeal sites affected by stone bio-deterioration. New strategies are becoming available for monitoring and control of rock bio-decay and to predict the development of bio-film-induced damage.
Experimental data provided evidence (a) of the type of damage produced on rock surfaces through biological activity in hypogeum and (b) on the identity of the major factors that control the development and growth of biofilms, their biodiversity and function. The combination of all these data can be used to construct models of the complexity of the hypogeal environment, of deterioration processes, of biofilm architecture and of the biological activity occurring on stone faces. In addition, the research determined that changing the wavelengths used for illumination caused a decrease in the growth of unwanted cyanobacteria. Furthermore, the development of non-destructive and safety methods for monitoring of cyanobacterial biofilms can be accomplished through the construction of a “Portable Sensor Monitor