Microbial contamination of storerooms at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum

Abstract

Biodeterioration of heritage collections caused by microorganisms is a worldwide problem. To avoid degradation caused by biological contaminants transported into the indoor environment by air, proper bioaerosol protection is required. The aim of this study was to assess the level of microbial contamination of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum collection based on qualitative and quantitative analyses of bacteria and fungi isolated from the atmosphere and settled dust of museum storerooms. The obtained results demonstrated that a correctly operated air-conditioning system and limiting the number of visitors in the studied storerooms can significantly inhibit microbial contamination of the air and decrease deposition of bacterial and fungal particulates on exhibit surfaces. The performed analyses confirm that an aerobiological assessment of museum premises is a useful tool in their hygienic evaluation and, if necessary, in decision-making regarding interventions to minimize biological decay of collections.

Bioaerosols of subterraneotherapy chambers at salt mine health resort

“…It is known from the scientific literature that in vast majority of cases, Gram-positive cocci are more numerous in indoor environment than Gram-negative rods (Flannigan et al 1991; Górny et al 2005; Mancinelli and Shulls 1978; Niesler et al 2010; Pastuszka et al 2000). This regularity was also confirmed in salt mine chambers in Bochnia.…”

Bioaerosols in Indoor Environment - A Review with Special Reference to Residential and Occupational Locations

“…The museum environment is of critical importance for the preventive conversation (for the storage and display of objects) and for the visitors health. Due to a correctly operated and maintained air-conditioning systems and limited number of visitors, good air quality of the studied storerooms and low levels of microbial contamination of museum collections were observed [109]. Considering the bacterial species present in office buildings, predominance of Micrococcus and Staphylococcus genera is seen, which could be due to the human presence [18,111,112].…”

“…Airborne microbes were detected in museums by various workers and bacterial counts ranged from 545 to 883 cfu/m 3 [109,110]. The five dominant groups include Staphylococcus, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Micrococcus.…”

Proposal for an integrated approach to microbial environmental monitoring in cultural heritage: experience at the Correggio exhibition in Parma

“…spores, viruses (and all their fragments and byproducts) represent a hazard both for the heritage materials, which can become deteriorated, and for operators and visitors (Apetrei et al 2009;Caneva et al 2007;Gallo 1993;Mandrioli and Ariatti 2001;Mandrioli et al 2003;Mandrioli 2006;Niesler et al 2010;Pasquariello 2006;Pasquariello et al 2008;Tarsitani et al 1996;Tarsitani 2007).…”

“…Moreover, different methodologies and measuring techniques have been adopted, and a standardized, generally accepted methodology allowing a comparison of the results has yet to be established. As for air monitoring, both passive and active methods have been employed, with different active samplers, while for surfaces swabs, RODAC plates and nitrocellulose membranes have generally been used, without a common protocol Camuffo et al 1999;De Nuntiis et al 2006;Gysels et al 2004;Maggi et al 2000;Michaelsen et al 2009;Montemartini Corte et al 2003;Montacutelli et al 2000;Niesler et al 2010;Nugari et al 1993;Pasquariello et al 2009;Pitzurra et al 1999;Reddy et al 2005;Sorlini 1993).…”