Effect of ionizing radiation on monument deteriorating microorganisms

Efficiency of antibiotics and gamma irradiation in eliminating Streptomyces strains isolated from paintings of ancient Egyptian tombs

“…Consistent with our findings, Katušin-Ražem and Braun [11] reported that the dose of 25 kGy is commonly used for sterilization of wooden statues in Croatia colonized by Streptomyces. Petushkova et al [13] found that the LD of Streptomyces spp. isolated from red ochre pigment from the Church of the Virgin's Birth, Ferapontovo, Russia was 13 kGy, and the LD for Arthrobacter isolated from green pigment was 17 kGy.…”

“…It was found that hematite pigment, the main red pigment in Ancient Egypt was not changed when irradiated at 11 kGy [12]. Petushkova et al [13] reported the isolation of Streptomyces and Arthrobacter bacteria from Russian mural paintings. They found that the LD for gamma irradiation for most of these organisms was 20 kGy, a condition that did not cause any color changes in the paintings.…”

Ornaments in radiation treatment of cultural heritage: Color and UV–vis spectral changes in irradiated nacres

“…The dose ranges for treatment are based on experience in radiation treatment of food, pharmaceutics and medical devices and they are selected according to the biodegradant type. This is the reason why most of the published research on the subject of CH treatment using gamma irradiation has also been done from the microbiological point of view [Bletchly et al 1957, Briški et al 2001, Petushkova et al 1988. To comply with restores criteria it is necessary to confirm no irreversible change occurred in the treated object.…”