Abstract
The aim of this study was to select effective and safe microbiocides for the disinfection and protection of historical wooden surfaces at the former Auschwitz II-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp. We tested seven active compounds against bacteria and moulds, of which didecyldimethylammonium chloride and N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-dodecylpropane-1,3-diamine were effective even at 0.02%–2%. Subsequently, eight microbiocides containing the selected active ingredients were chosen and applied three times on the surface of wood samples colonized by bacteria and moulds. ABM-1 and ABM-2—6% solution; Rocima 101—8%; Preventol R 80—12%; Acticide 706 LV—15% and Boramon—30% were the most effective disinfectants. Under laboratory conditions, ABM-1, Boramon and Rocima 101 ensured antimicrobial protection of new wood samples for six months. In situ, 30% Boramon and 8% Rocima 101 applied by spraying effectively protected the historical wood from bacterial and mould growth for 12 and 3 months, respectively. Colour and luminance of the new wood were not altered after exposure to the biocides. Boramon and Rocima 101, applied by the spraying method, caused no significant change in the colour of the historical wood. Results from this study were used to develop a procedure for the protection of wood in historical buildings against biodeterioration.
Highlights
Wood has been used in the construction of houses, ships, weapons and various tools, among other things
The results enabled us to determine the extent of contamination, and to select the dominant species of microorganisms
We evaluated the sensitivity of microorganisms to seven compounds commonly used as active ingredients in disinfectants: didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-dodecylpropane-1,3-diamine (APDA), hydrogen peroxide (HP), glutaraldehyde (GA), sodium hypochlorite (SH), boric acid (BA), and lactic acid (LA)
Summary
Wood has been used in the construction of houses, ships, weapons and various tools, among other things. Wood damage by bacteria and fungi involves degradation of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. This leads to aesthetic deterioration of the surface (peeling, delamination, discoloration) and, above all, structural and mechanical changes (reduced strength, hardness) [1,5,6,7]. Different chemical compounds have been regularly used, for about 200 years, in order to protect wood from damaging factors [8]. Fluorine, arsenic, chromium and copper compounds were utilized, which were often toxic to humans. The most commonly used preservatives are copper compounds, chromium, boric acid, azoles or quaternary ammonium compounds [10,11]. Research is being conducted on ionic liquids and fatty acids, which can be used in the protection of timber [12,13,14]
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