Investigations of the Surface of Heritage Objects and Green Bioremediation: Case Study of Artefacts from Maramureş, Romania

Abstract

Old textiles are important elements of thecultural heritage. As a result of their composition mostly of natural elements old textiles are extremely prone to physical and chemical degradation due to fungal action. The treatments usually applied for the cleaning of heritage textiles target the use of synthetic fungicides, which are potentially harmful to both human health and the environment. Numerous studies highlight as an alternative to the use of conventional antifungals, the employment of essential oils and plant extracts, which are environmentally friendly and which have no adverse effects on human health. Against this background the present study aims to test six essential oils (Lavandula angustifolia, Citrus limon, Mentha piperita, Marjoram, Melaleuca alternifolia, Origanum vulgare) to establish their inhibitory effects against fungi identified on an old piece of traditional Romanian clothing from Maramureş. For the study, the types of fungi present on the objects was determined primarily through the open plates technique and microscopic identification. After identification, the essential oils were applied to the delimited surfaces, and their effects observed up to 32 days after application. The results show that these essential oils have a strong inhibitory effect on such fungal genera as Penicillinum sp., Cladosporium sp., Aspergillus spp., Candida guillermondii, Botrys sp., Mucor sp., having no observable side-effects on the physical properties of the materials concerned. The antimicrobial effects that essential oils and plant extracts have in the short term must be tested in future to ensure the enhanced preservation of heritage textiles and the health integrity of the restorers and visitors who view them in museums, collections or exhibitions.

Microbiological, Health and Comfort Aspects of Indoor Air Quality in a Romanian Historical Wooden Church

“…Onet , et al [31] and Ilies , et al [32,33] determined the microbiological contamination in relation to the microclimate conditions in the wooden church "St. Martyrs Constantin Brancoveanu and His Sons" from the campus I of the University of Oradea. Microbiological contamination and its implications on cultural heritage frescoes were studied by Radu et al [34], Mohanu et al [35], Bucsa and Bucsa [36] and Ilies , et al [37]. Further, other relevant studies focus on the determination of fungal contamination and microclimatic problems in museums [13,[38][39][40][41], sport halls [42,43] or schools [44][45][46].…”

Interdisciplinary Research to Advance Digital Imagery and Natural Compounds for Eco-Cleaning and for Preserving Textile Cultural Heritage

“…Fiber's constituent of heritage textiles weathering can be caused by the environmental conditions (microclimate, particulate matters, pollutants, sunlight) and the aging process of the cotton fibers, resulting in a decline in their strength, elasticity and cohesion level [1][2][3]. Cotton fibers composed of natural organic material (90% cellulose) are also subjected to the degrading effects of microorganisms in storage or exhibition places [4,5].…”

“…The value of the physico-chemical investigations at the surface level of the artifacts brings out important information. This is about their physical constitution, authenticity, history, elaboration and behavior after they have been abandoned and/or stored; its usefulness is to increase the knowledge about civilization, history and evolution, execution techniques and for the development of an optimal conservation policy [1,3].…”

Museal Indoor Air Quality and Public Health: An Integrated Approach for Exhibits Preservation and Ensuring Human Health

“…They are considered the future generation of biocontrol agents and methods in the context of sustainable development [49]. Given that one of the basic characteristics of cultural heritage is authenticity, essential oils seem to be the most viable solution [50] for cleaning materials in a non-invasive way and preserving them in good condition [51].…”