Surfaces Of Monuments Research Articles

Blue-Green Algal Flora on Archaeological Monuments of India

Forty-six blue-green algal species belonging to fifteen genera, e.g. Gloeocapsopsis, Gloeothece, Myxosarcina, Chroococcidiopsis, Lyngbya, Phromidium, Plectonema, Nostoc, Calothrix, Tolypothrix, Chtorogloeopsis, Fischerella, Hapalosiphon, Westiellopsis and Stigonema occurred on the exposed surfaces of various archaeological monuments from different regions of India. All these blue-green algal species have been isolated and maintained in the culture collection at the Department of Botany, Utkal University.

Writing on the world beyond the page: medieval inscriptions as facta and ficta

From the twelfth to the fifteenth centuries texts proliferated upon the surfaces of objects, monuments and architecture, ensuring that medieval people lived with texts, even if they never turned a page. Examining a series of inscribed objects, monuments, and buildings, this article focuses upon three constitutive features of this large-scale dynamic: epigraphic prosopopoeia, the use and effects of deixis in medieval inscriptions, and the device of the banderole. It concludes by examining the twelfth-century Bridekirk baptismal font: an epigraphic monument in which all three devices are skillfully deployed, to remarkably self-reflexive ends. The article aims to show how the design of epigraphic texts added not only new textual-material facts to the world, but also textual-visual ficta or fictions.

Detection of deteriorations in cultural structures created by carving into low-strength rocks by the non-destructive test (NDT) method

In the cultural stone heritage, progressive deteriorations develop over time with the effect of atmospheric processes. These deteriorations can reach to a significant degree that threaten the integrity of the monuments built from weak-strength rocks. In this study, it is aimed to determine the deteriorations caused by atmospheric processes on the monument surface in cultural heritage works built by carving into low-strength pyroclastic rocks by non-destructive tests (NDTs). To this end, two historic structures in the Kilistra Ancient City of Konya (Turkey) were selected. The index, strength, mineralogical and petrographic properties of the rocks, in which the monuments were carved, were first investigated. Then, contour scaling, crack, efflorescence and biodeterioration types were determined on the facades of the monuments. Later, NDT deterioration change maps were prepared based on the data obtained by performing the relative humidity, Schmidt hammer rebound (SHR), and P-wave velocity (Vp) measurements on the facades of the monuments. In the deterioration maps, it was determined that the SHR and Vp values of the rock were low in the capillary, infiltration, and crack zones with water penetration in the monuments built on low-strength pyroclastic rocks. However, deterioration was less in the regions with more limited water access according to zones.

Application of GPR Prospection to Unveil Historical Stratification inside Monumental Buildings: The Case of San Leonardo de Siete Fuentes in Santu Lussurgiu, Sardinia, Italy

Stratigraphy is a fundamental classification tool for archaeology on which modern excavation techniques are based, and essentially consists of a sedimentological, pedological and archaeological interpretation of the multiple cultural layers found while digging; this concept can be adopted when studying monumental buildings and, in particular, their hidden parts or elements. The precious and delicate surfaces of monuments need non-invasive techniques such as geophysical methods and in the present article, the use of GPR technique has been exploited through a dataset collected over the nave of the church of San Leonardo de Siete Fuentes in Sardinia. First, the georadar results have been jointly analyzed by means of the B- and C-scans, in which some most significant patterns were detected and analyzed by looking at their signal features over the investigated volume. Following the analysis, elements from the signal attribute analysis and horizon detection and visualization, with a 3D approach, were used. To strengthen the reliability of the GPR results, a thermal infrared survey was simultaneously carried out. Thanks to the integrated geophysical and historical analysis of the monument, the ancient layout of the church has been reconstructed and other targets of potential archaeological interest identified

Characterization of yellow patina on stone surfaces by instrumental analysis including LIBS

ABSTRACT Yellow patina formed on the stone surfaces of historical buildings, monuments, and archaeological structures due to weathering is considered a value of the building in the conservation of cultural heritage studies. Although yellow patina layers can be easily distinguished on white marble surfaces, it is not possible to distinguish them on the yellow travertine surfaces with the naked eye. It should be taken into account in yellow travertines as well as marble surfaces before conservation treatments of the stone. In this study, mineralogical and chemical compositions and the thicknesses of yellow patina layers formed on yellow travertine and marble surfaces in Aizanoi, Aphrodisias, and Hierapolis archaeological sites in Turkey were analyzed in order to constitute a conservation approach in the archaeological sites. In this respect, XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDX, and LIBS were used in the determination of compositions and thicknesses of yellow patina. Although LIBS analysis is a more convenient method to investigate patina layers on stone surfaces, this technique is not as well known as the others. Yellow patina layers contained calcium oxalate in the form of whewellite (CaC2O4.H2O). Their thicknesses were between 15 and 100 μm and should be protective against weathering on travertine and marble surfaces. Highlights LIBS analysis seems to be the most convenient micro-destructive method to estimate the thickness of the yellow patina layers on the marble and yellow travertine surfaces. The determination of the thickness of the yellow patina is critical to keep irreversible cleaning interventions, especially for the yellow travertines due to their similar colors. Yellow patina is mainly composed of calcium oxalate with clay minerals and organic compounds.

Characterization of Barium Hydroxide Used as Consolidating Agent for Monumental Surfaces in Venice

Barium hydroxide was one of the most widely used inorganic materials to consolidate calcareous stones during the 19th and 20th. The consolidation process occurs through a carbonation reaction. Several researchers studied the consolidation mechanism; however, the results are sometimes in conflict. More experimental work using modern analytical techniques and a multi-analytical approach is necessary to shed light on the mechanisms involved. This research aims to validate the chemical composition of the developed secondary products and to evaluate the treatment’s effectiveness over time. Carrara marble and Vicenza white limestone were treated and subjected to natural, artificial, and biological weathering. Furthermore, only a few microsamples were collected from Venetian historical artifacts treated in the 1960s and 1970s. Microscopic observations, sponge tests, FTIR, SEM-EDX, and microbiological analyses investigated the stability of the treatment over time and ascertained the chemical composition of the acicular crystals developed from the carbonation reaction of barium hydroxide. The results prompted a number of considerations useful for future restorations and for developing innovative compounds for consolidation interventions.

Assessment of Biofilm Inhabitants of Deteriorated Surfaces of Heritage Sites

Heritage monument surfaces are being deteriorated by diverse microbiota. This study used culture-dependent and culture-independent strategies to investigate the bacterial inhabitants colonizing India's two different heritage sites, namely Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Mumbai and Ajanta Caves (AJC), Aurangabad. The culturable approach showed the presence of common environmental bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Bacillus. However, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of the composite samples revealed rich bacterial diversity in the AJC metagenome compared to CSMT, which is comparatively well maintained. The functional profile of metagenomes revealed abundant hits for sulfate reducers (15.4%; 29.8%) and nitrate reducers (36.3%; 25.1%), respectively, in CSMT and AJC. Biofilm-associated genes (alg1 and pelA) were detected in metagenomic DNA and cultivated bacterial genomic DNA to envisage the presence of biofilm formers dwelling on the heritage surfaces. The study suggests the possibility of tracking the biofilm bacteria inhabiting the deteriorated surfaces of heritage sites through an integrated approach that would provide risk assessment toward management and conservation strategies.

Lithobiotic Communities on the Surface of Rock Art Monuments in the Minusinsk Basin (South Siberia): Conditions for Formation and Biomineral Interactions

Lithobiotic Communities on the Surface of Rock Art Monuments in the Minusinsk Basin (South Siberia): Conditions for Formation and Biomineral Interactions

Development of a new procedure for the assessment of particulate matter (PM) carbonaceous fraction on stone materials exposed to atmospheric pollution

Abstract The present study deals with the set-up and development of a new methodology to quantify the carbonaceous fraction (i.e., OC, organic carbon and EC, elemental carbon) in black crusts samples present on marble stone surfaces of historical buildings and monuments exposed to outdoor pollution. It is worth noting that OC and EC represent one of the main fractions of atmospheric particulate matter and, mainly EC, is responsible for the black colour of the crusts. The same method has been applied to resuspend known quantities of atmospheric particulate matter on marble mock-up specimens suitably realized to study the crusts’ formation process starting from known quantities of the precursors in the formation process, i.e., PM and SO2, and submitting them to an accelerated aging process.

Colors, Materials, and Techniques in Historical Buildings in Rome: Diagnostic Investigations and Case Studies

ABSTRACT In the last few years, the study of the surface color of historical buildings has progressed as part of conservation and restoration efforts to comply with the aesthetics of historical and pre-existing materials. The main critical element related to this type of study is represented by the succession of various interventions of restoration and maintenance over time that has altered the original aesthetics of monuments by using materials and colors selected according to criteria, trends, and needs of succeeding historical eras. In this paper, the investigation of plasters and colored finishing layers applied on two historical buildings located in Rome and dating to the early 1900s is reported. Results were obtained through a specific diagnostic investigation plan focused on microscopic, morphological, and chemical characterizations of plasters and colored layers detected on the monument surfaces. All post-intervention phases and dates have been identified by comparing the results obtained with historical data. Important information was uncovered that helps in tracing the original aesthetic conception of the buildings and in planning restoration approaches which can be compatible both aesthetically and materially with the original work.

Laser Treatment as a New Approach to the Passivation of Iron-Based Historical Monuments

This article is devoted to the study of the possibility of the passivation of iron-based metallic materials. The experimental results obtained for the laser treatment of carbon steel model samples by the radiation of repetitively pulsed and continuous-wave 1.064 µm Nd:YAG lasers are described. It is shown that the laser treatment allows the formation of dense protection films, 62–77 microns thick, on the steel surface. The films enhance the anticorrosion properties of the metal. Exposure to laser radiation reduces the surface roughness (from Ra = 0.53 µm to Ra = 0.38 µm). Laser radiation power densities of 10.2 × 105 W/cm2 and 10.7 × 105 W/cm2 for these two laser generating modes, respectively, correspond to the optimum (in terms of the degree of corrosion resistance) modes of steel treatment. The conducted studies show that the application of Nd: YAG lasers is a promising method for the surface passivation of artworks created from steel and cast iron. One of the most promising applications of the proposed method for the anticorrosion protection of iron is the passivation of the surface of iron-based historical monuments.

Microbial Diversity on the Surface of Historical Monuments in Lingyan Temple, Jinan, China.

Lingyan Temple is an important part of the World Heritage Mixed Property on Mount Taishan, in which numerous cultural heritage monuments, including exquisite painted arhat statues and inscriptions, display the ancient Chinese Buddhist culture. However, these monuments are suffering aesthetic and structural damage due to rich biofilms. In this study, the microbial communities colonized on historical monuments in different microenvironments were characterized through a combination of culture-dependent techniques and high-throughput sequencing. Microbial diversity was significantly different among the historical sites with different microenvironments. For example, Actinobacteria and Ascomycota were the core phyla in the indoor samples, while they were less abundant in the outdoor samples, and phototrophic microorganisms including Cyanobacteria and green algae were only dominant in the samples near springs. The results suggested that environmental factors such as water and airborne microorganisms may be the main causes influencing microbial distribution. Most of the identified dominant species were common on the historical monuments and could contribute to biodeterioration. This analysis of microbiota will provide further information on the biodeterioration processes and preservation strategies of cultural heritage monuments in Lingyan Temple.

Cyanobacteria on stone buildings and monuments in Kiel, Germany

The stone buildings and monuments of Kiel (Germany) is a World Heritage Site. Granite, sandstone and limestone are used in architectural structures. As a result of the study of cyanobacteria in biofilms on the surface of stone structures and monuments in the city of Kiel, 28 species taxa, 18 genera were identified. Phormidesmis sp. is the most common species. The largest number of species has been recorded on limestone (17). Further study of cyanobacteria using molecular methods is planned.

Microbiome characteristics and the key biochemical reactions identified on stone world cultural heritage under different climate conditions

The surfaces of historical stone monuments are visibly covered with a layer of colonizing microorganisms and their degradation products. In this study, a metadata analysis was conducted using the microbial sequencing data available from NCBI database to determine the diversity, biodeterioration potential and functionality of the stone microbiome on important world cultural heritage sites under four different climatic conditions. The retrieved stone microbial community composition in these metagenomes shows a clear association between climate types of the historical monuments and the diversity and taxonomic composition of the stone microbiomes. Shannon diversity values showed that microbial communities on stone monuments exposed to dry climate were more diverse than those under humid ones. In particular, functions associated with photosynthesis and UV resistance were identified from geographical locations under different climate types. The distribution of key microbial determinants responsible for stone deterioration was linked to survival under extreme environmental conditions and biochemical capabilities and reactions. Among them, biochemical reactions of the microbial nitrogen and sulfur cycles were most predominant. These stone-dwelling microbiomes on historical stone monuments were highly diverse and self-sustaining driven by energy metabolism and biomass accumulation. And metabolic products of the internal geomicrobiological nitrogen cycling on these ancient monuments play a unique role in the biodeterioration of stone monuments. These results highlight the significance of identifying the essential microbial biochemical reactions to advance the understanding of stone biodeterioration for protection management.

Design and Analysis of the Spray-Painting Robot for tall statues and monuments

The painting on tall structures, statues, monuments and buildings is dangerous task for humans. Robotics finds its applications in operations, which are repetitive, hazardous, and dangerous. The aim of the present work is to design a manipulator for spray painting on surfaces of tall monuments, statues and structures. The robot can be installed on a crane platform for lifting and operated from the ground. A lightweight and compact design is desired that can be easily accommodated within the space of the crane. A Revolute-Revolute-Revolute-Prismatic (RRRP) type Robotic arm is developed and analysed for this application. By establishing the rigid body tree model in Robotics System Toolbox, the numerical model of direct and inverse kinematics using Homogenous Matrix Transformation is prepared in MATLAB. Using the spray patch method and offline programming method, the spray model is prepared in Solid woks to obtain trajectory waypoints. A B-spline path is generated through these waypoints. At each waypoint, joint displacement variables are calculated using an inverse kinematic model. An air-less spray gun is selected and attached with a robot. Controlled motion algorithm for spray painting operation on a circular surface were obtained with simulation results. A smooth trajectory for performing spray painting is obtained.

The deep learning method applied to the detection and mapping of stone deterioration in open-air sanctuaries of the Hittite period in Anatolia

• Deterioration development in archeological sites. • Determination of stone deterioration via artificial intelligence. • Deterioration map with Mask R-CNN. The detection of deterioration in archeological heritage sites is a very time-consuming task that requires expertise. Furthermore, vision-based approaches can cause errors, considering the complex types of deterioration that develop in different scales and forms in monuments. This problem can be solved effectively owing to computer vision algorithms, commonly used in different areas nowadays. This study aims to develop a model that automatically detects and maps deteriorations (biological colonization, contour scaling, crack, higher plant, impact damage, microkarst, missing part) and restoration interventions using the Mask R-CNN algorithm, which has recently come to the fore with its feature of recognizing small and large-sized objects. To this end, a total of 2460 images of Yazılıkaya monuments in the Hattusa archeological site, which is on the UNESCO heritage list, were gathered. In the training phase of the proposed method, it was trained in model 1 to distinguish deposit deterioration commonly observed on the surface of monuments from other anomalies. Other anomalies trained were model 2. In this phase of the models, the average precision values with high accuracy rates ranging from 89.624% to 100% were obtained for the deterioration classes. The developed algorithms were tested on 4 different rock reliefs in Yazılıkaya, which were not used in the training phase. In addition, an image of the Eflatunpınar water monument, which is on the UNESCO tentative list, was used to test the model's universality. According to the test results, it was determined that the models could be successfully applied to obtain maps of deterioration and restoration interventions in monuments in different regions.

Community Composition and Ex Situ Cultivation of Fungi Associated with UNESCO Heritage Monuments in the Bay of Naples

The Bay of Naples, Italy, is renowned for its archaeological heritage. However, this heritage is threatened by the combination of weathering and the biological activity of microorganisms. Fungi are among the major agents of microbial deterioration of cultural heritage since they can cause cracks and lesions in monuments due to the penetrating force of their hyphae. Such biodeterioration may weaken the stone structures and threaten the longevity of these culturally important monuments. To address this, we collected, identified, and maintained in culture filamentous fungi that colonize the external surface of monuments at five important archaeological sites near Naples, namely Cuma, Ercolano, Nola, Oplonti, and Pompei. We isolated a total of 27 fungal taxa, all of which can be cultivated in the laboratory, and form a part of our reference collection. Many of the described fungal taxa we found belong to groups that are involved in stone biodeterioration and can thus be considered as model organisms for in vitro studies. These results emphasize the importance of identifying and cultivating fungal stock cultures for non-invasive studies on biodeterioration. Our newly developed reference collection represents a useful resource that is available to other researchers to rapidly identify potentially hazardous fungi on other monuments.

BIOCOLONIZATION AND BIODETERIORATION OF MONUMENTS BY CYANOBACTERIA

Cyanobacteria are a morphologically diverse, remarkably adaptable and widely distributed group of photosynthetic prokaryotes, many of which colonize, grow and survive on/in water-limited and nutrient-poor lithic substrates, such as natural rocks/stones and walls of historic monuments and buildings as lithobionts or lithobiontic organisms. They are often the primary colonizers of lithic substrates. They possess protective mechanisms against various abiotic stresses, such as desiccation, high irradiance, high levels of UV-radiation and high temperature which are often encountered on exposed rock surfaces and external walls of lithic monuments and buildings. The biocolonization and growth of cyanobacteria as lithobionts are influenced by various propertiesof monuments, buildings or buildingstones as well as by environmental factors. As photoautotrophs and primary colonizers of lithic substrates, they facilitate and promote the growth and development of heterotrophic microbes, such as bacteria and fungi.The production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) leads to the formation of cyanobacteriadominated phototrophic biofilms or sub-aerial biofilms on exposed surfaces of monuments, buildings and rocks/stones. Globally, thebiocolonization, growth and activities of lithobiontic cyanobacteria and other organisms cause unpleasant discoloration, biodeterioration (bioweathering) of monuments and buildings of historical, cultural or religious importance, leading to the aesthetic damage, structural damage and economic loss.These constitute serious problems world-wide. The article provides an overview of the processes of biocolonization and biodeterioration of monuments by lithobiontic(rockinhabiting) cyanobacteria, and their survival as lithobionts.

Environmental Factors Causing the Development of Microorganisms on the Surfaces of National Cultural Monuments Made of Mineral Building Materials—Review

The ability of microorganisms to degrade building materials depends on several factors. Biological corrosion occurs in close dependence with chemical and physical factors affecting microorganisms. The growth and development of microorganisms is stimulated by external stimuli, i.e., environmental factors. Microorganisms have a relatively large tolerance range for changes in environmental conditions. Under the right conditions, microorganisms thrive very well. The adverse effects may cause the inhibition of cell growth, damage, or lead to the death of the microorganism. Considering the impact of environmental factors on microorganisms, it is not possible to identify the most important of them. The result effect of overlapping factors determines the possibility of the growth of certain microorganisms. The main factors affecting the growth are temperature, humidity, hydrogen ion concentration in the environment, oxidoreductive potential, water activity in the environment, and hydrostatic pressure. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the factors causing biodeterioration. The influence of external/internal environment on the surface of cultural monuments made of mineral building materials, i.e., stone, concrete, mortar, etc., is presented.

Molecular Identification of deteriorating Aspergillus spp. from sandstone monuments

Biodeterioration is irreversible damage that is caused by the colonization of bio communities on the surface of sandstone monuments. Out of all bio communities, fungi play the most vital role in the deterioration of sandstone. Fungi can colonize on the surface of sandstone and by releasing many types of inorganic and organic acids, pigments and enzymes, can changing not only the surface of the materials but the color of the sandstone. Moreover, mycelia of fungi can penetrate into the internal surface of sandstone and change the interior chemical contents of sandstone. This study was focused on the identification of fungi that were colonized on the sandstone monument. The samples were collected from different monument places built during different time periods and analyzed using cellophane tape methods and swabbing & serial dilution methods. A sampling of stone was carried out to identify inhibiting microorganisms. Biochemical and microscopic methods were used for isolated strains of samples. In addition, the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the PCR products were done. Finally, the phylogenic tree was constructed base on the sequences of ITs region. We identify high microbial diversity in fungal groups . The fungal commodity structure differed among the samples. The inhabiting fungi which isolated from sandstone monuments belong to high microbial diversity fungal groups. The result revealed that the strain exhibited a high level of 18S rRNA similarity with Aspergillus costaricaensis, Aspergillus luchuensis was identified as a close relative to Aspergillus spp.