Seasonal Variability in the Composition of Particulate Matter and the Microclimate in Cultural Heritage Areas

Abstract

This study is the first attempt to decipher the effect of particulate matter (PM) composition on people’s health and on historic sites, in correlation with the daily and seasonal microclimate monitoring of the indoor and outdoor areas of the Roman Mosaic Edifice museum (the maritime port of Constanta, Romania). More specifically, the increase of metal concentrations in particulate matter during the summer of 2018 and spring of 2019 in the museum under investigation could possibly be associated with the microclimates of both seasons, with coastal factors, as well as with the anthropic activities specific to the port of Constanta. FTIR and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) techniques, used for the investigation of PM2.5–10 samples, revealed high concentrations of Fe, Al-rich, and soluble particles inside the investigated museum area. In this respect, the chemical measurements of the PM2.5–10 masses highlighted high concentrations of heavy metals (i.e., Al, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Pb) and low concentrations of trace metals (i.e., Cr, Ni, Cu, and Cd). Statistical analysis showed that the chemical compositions of the particulate matter in the indoor and outdoor areas of the Roman Mosaic Edifice were influenced by microclimatic conditions, mainly temperature and relative humidity (RH). A potential health risk for tourists is the thermal and humid conditions, alongside the toxic components of the particulate matter. This research seeks to provide solutions for improving the environmental conditions inside the Roman Mosaic Edifice and to offer useful suggestions concerning health promotion and the protection of museum exhibits against possible future deterioration.

Theoretical and Experimental Studies on Sliding at Low Speeds With Intermittencies

“…They successfully replace the metallic materials used to make sliding couplings. Progress in understanding the tribological behavior of polymeric materials requires multiple experimental research [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13], to its introduction and use in the realization of various machine parts. In this paper it is proposed for analysis the polymeric material Turcite [14] in contact with a metallic material (carbon steel).…”

Chemical Characterization of Particulate Matter in the Renaissance City of Ferrara

“…Knowing the chemical composition of the analyzed particles could allow to recognize the sources of the pollutants and to implement mitigation plans in the areas most subject to pollution. In many cities around the world, airborne particulate pollution has created serious damage to monuments and cultural heritage sites [30][31][32], and, if not promptly acted upon, fractures, black crusts, and other important deteriorations could be created on the surface of the buildings.…”

Indoor Microclimatic Variables Assessment by Vibrational Spectroscopy on Original Structure of Tropaeum Traiani Monument, Adamclisi

“…The decay of rocks and freshly exposed monumental stones is a complex process in which physical and chemical mechanisms are usually considered the main factors, it generally starts with alteration processes due to the synergetic action of rain, wind, sunlight and freezing/thawing cycles. Moreover, the atmospheric pollutants form deposits of particles, black encrustation and leave secondary reaction products on stone surfaces [2]. The consequence of these combined actions is a loss of cohesion with dwindling and scaling of stone material and with general weakening of the superficial structural strength [1][2][3].…”

“…Moreover, the atmospheric pollutants form deposits of particles, black encrustation and leave secondary reaction products on stone surfaces [2]. The consequence of these combined actions is a loss of cohesion with dwindling and scaling of stone material and with general weakening of the superficial structural strength [1][2][3].…”

“…On the other hand, the reflection measurements were used to investigate the effects of temperature, relative humidity (RH), and pollutants on marble. [2,[11][12][13][14][15]. Salt deposits, accretions and weathered surfaces on stone sculptures and buildings were investigated by IR spectroscopy according to different studies [16][17][18][19].…”