Biology

Coping with Biological Growth on Stone Heritage Objects
Methods, Products, Applications, and Perspectives

Daniela Pinna

Coping with Biological Growth on Stone Heritage Objects

Published. Available now.
Pub Date: May 2017
Hardback Price: $169.95 US
Hard ISBN: 9781771885324
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-77463-672-5
E-Book ISBN: 9781315365510
Pages: 382 pp with index
Binding Type: hardbound / ebook / paperback
Notes: 40 color and 34 b/w illustrations


Reviews
“Well written and well organized, and it contains specific and practical information . . . . An invaluable book for any serious preservation practitioner who is frequently dealing with nature’s insistence on slowly turning man’s stone creations back into their more elemental natural components. . . . So valuable [because] it synthesizes over 450 studies on subjects of biodeterioration from around the world. . . . The book is peppered with excellent examples from around the world of fragile and ancient cultural relics . . . that have been subjected to massive biological infestation.”
—APT Bulletin: The Journal of Preservation Technology,
review by Peter Wollenberg, Wollenberg Building Conservation, LLC, St. Louis, Missouri

“Comprehensive in its scope, well-structured and written, and thoroughly referenced in footnotes and appendices, this volume is AN INDISPENSABLE TEXTBOOK FOR MATERIALS CONSERVATION EDUCATORS AND A WELL-WRITTEN, INFORMATIVE HANDS-ON TOOL FOR PRACTITIONERS seeking to hold back the inexorable and never-ending assault of the biological world on stone and masonry. . . . Pinna’s authoritative volume is intended as a reference tool . . . As conservators, the job before us is to prevent and reverse the effects of these processes on heritage objects. The book aims to assist in that task by compiling and evaluating the last fifteen years of conservation literature on biodeterioration and its mitigation. . . . The book easily translates to all branches of heritage that are impacted adversely by the presence of bio-growth. . . . Well structured, and [the] information is easy to access . . . This essential reference tool also includes many interesting bits of information that make the book ENJOYABLY READABLE . . . ”
—The International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, Review by Rosa Lowinger
To read the full review:
https://www.iiconservation.org/content/book-review-coping-biological-growth-stone-heritage-objects-methods-products-applications

“A must for everybody working on conservation of stone heritage objects, including applied scientists of different areas and conservators, restorers and governative superintendents as well as architects, art historians, archeologists. First, because it is pleasant, clear and easy to read and gives an excellent updated summary on researches done by several authors (463 references) on the biology applied to works of art. The descriptive parts are accompanied by a good choice of pictures that render easy to understand the concepts. In her book, Daniela Pinna covers the most fundamental topics important to know when working in the field of conservation of cultural heritage made by stone. . . . Very useful not only for biologists but also for scholars of other disciplines because gives basic knowledge on the macro- and microorganisms biology, their ecological requirement, biodeterioration patterns, and on [what] not-to-do when dealing with living organisms. . . . Can be used as a general guide for everybody and especially for the persons in charge of the conservation of cultural heritage stone objects/monuments and archeological areas. After reading this book, the importance of the involvement in cultural heritage conservation of expert biologists in a multi-disciplinary network appears clear.”
Journal of Cultural Heritage, review by Clara Urzì, Department of Chem. Biol. Pharm. and Environ. Sciences, University of Messina, Italy

“Daniela Pinna is a reputable biologist with an extensive practice in the field of conservation of cultural heritage. . . The book is a very detailed state of the art, but it contains also a personal perspective about the addressed topics, helping the reader to better move among these often complex subjects. . . . It analyzes this topic under the scientific point of view . . . but also tackles the practical issues connected with biodeterioration, its occurrences, consequences, and possible remediation. . . .The book is easy to read, [and] can be used as a consulting manual for conservation scientists searching for identifying problems, their causes, and solutions, as well as for practitioners searching for feasible solutions to the problem at hand. . . . Should be a reference on the shelf of any conservation scientist and conservator-restorer working in the field of cultural heritage.”
—From the Foreword by José Delgado Rodrigues, Geologist, Former Principal Research Officer LNEC; Consultant in Stone Conservation, Lisbon, Portugal

“An outstanding addition to the existing publications that address this complex subject. The seven chapters that make up this book range from the Basic Principles of Biology to Scientific Examination, the latter being a topic that has not been usually included in so much detail. There are several points that make this book unique: first, the care taken in properly defining terms such as biodeterioration and biodegradation that are often misapplied; second, the logical organization within each chapter that makes it easy to read and follow, even for those unfamiliar with these challenges; and third, the excellent Appendix that brings together so much information about products, brands, chemicals, etc. in an organized fashion. While this information is readily available on the internet, concentrating it in this appendix makes a big difference in having it used and applied. Finally, the drawings, photographs and examples selected to illustrate the points discussed in the chapters are really remarkable. My favorite chapter is Outline of Biodeterioration of Stone Objects because it deals with the biodeterioration of stone but at the same time it points out that in some cases biocolonization, including higher vegetation such as ivy (Hedera Helix), can actually protect stone surface from other mechanisms of deterioration. This is a critical point in weighing whether the damage induced by biocolonization justifies biocide treatments or even aggressive cleaning interventions, especially considering that biocolonization is likely to return. These are issues that conservators have to face and address in their work, and communicate clearly to those responsible for the preservation of the monument or building in question who may not understand the complexity of nature.”

—
A. Elena Charola, PhD, Research Scientist, Museum Conservation Institute, Smithsonian Institution

Now Available in Paperback


Coping with Biological Growth on Stone Heritage Objects: Methods, Products, Applications, and Perspectives offers hands-on guidance for addressing the specific challenges involved in conserving historical monuments, sculptures, archaeological sites, and caves that have been attacked and colonized by micro- and macroorganisms. The volume provides many case studies of removal of biological growth with practical advice for making the right choices. It presents detailed and updated information related to biocides and to alternative substances, features that will be valuable to dealing with these challenges. The author’s goal is to provide access to information and offer the conceptual framework needed to understand complex issues, so that the reader can comprehend the nature of conservation problems and formulate her/his own views.

From bacteria to plants, biological agents pose serious risks to the preservation of cultural heritage. In an effort to save heritage objects, buildings, and sites, conservators’ activities aim to arrest, mitigate, and prevent the damages caused by bacteria, algae, fungi, lichens, plants, and birds. Although much has been learned about these problems, information is scattered across meeting proceedings and assorted journals that often are not available to restorers and conservators. This book fills the gap by providing a comprehensive selection and examination of international papers published in the last fifteen years, focusing on the appropriate methods, techniques, and products that are useful for the prevention and removal of micro- and macroorganisms that grow on artificial and natural stone works of art, including wall paintings. Results on new substances with antimicrobic properties and alternative methods for the control of biological growth are presented as well.

The book also emphasizes issues on bioreceptivity of stones and the factors influencing biological growth and includes an outline of the various organisms able to develop on stones, a discussion on the bioprotection of stones by biofilms and lichens, a review of the main analytical techniques, and a section on bioremediation.

This volume will be a valuable reference for cultural heritage conservators and restorers, scientists, and heritage-site staff involved in conservation and maintenance of buildings, archaeological sites, parks, and caves.

Features:
  • offers hands-on guidance for addressing the specific challenges involved in conserving historical monuments, sculptures, archaeological sites, and caves that have been attacked and colonized by micro- and macroorganisms
  • provides many case studies of removal of biological growth with practical advice for making the right choices
  • presents detailed and updated information related to biocides and to alternative substances, features that will be valuable to dealing with these challenges.
  • provides access to information and offers the conceptual framework needed to understand complex issues
  • provides a comprehensive selection and examination from a published material from a wide variety of sources that focus on the methods, techniques, and products useful for for the prevention and removal of micro and macro organisms that grow on artificial and natural stone works of art

CONTENTS:
Foreword by José Delgado Rodrigues, Geologist, Former Principal Research Officer LNEC; Consultant in Stone Conservation, Lisbon, Portugal
Preface
1. Introduction
2. Basic Principles of Biology

  • Biochemistry Basics
  • Organisms Responsible of Biodeterioration
3. Ecology
  • Bioreceptivity of Natural and Artificial Stones Including Wall Paintings
  • Factors Influencing Biological Growth
4. Outline of Biodeterioration of Stone Objects
  • General Principles
  • Biofilms
  • Cyanobacteria, Bacteria, Microalgae
  • Fungi
  • Lichens
  • Bioprotection of Stones by Biofilms and Lichens
  • Mosses and Vascular Plants
  • Birds
5. Control Methods of Biodeterioration
6. Physical Eradication and Inhibition
7. Mechanical and Water-Based Control Methods
8. Biocides
  • Terms
  • Application
  • Types of Microbicides and Herbicides
  • Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Action
  • Stains After Treatments
  • Biocides No More on the Market, Biocides That Changed the Name or the Producer, Very Hazardous
  • Biocides and Strange Information Reported in the Literature
  • Resistance of Organisms to Biocides
  • Toxicity and Legislative Regulations
  • Recolonization After Treatment and Maintenance Plans
  • Biocides’ Effects on Stones
  • Effectiveness of Biocides and the Persistence of Their Effect
9. Novel Biocides and Alternative Methods for the Control of Biological Growth
10. Prevention of Biodeterioration
11. Bioremediation
12. Scientific Examinations
  • Assessment of the Biological Growth and Its Effect on Stones
  • Assessment of the Efficacy of Control Methods
References
Appendix
Index


About the Authors / Editors:
Daniela Pinna
Director, Scientific Laboratory, Polo Museale dell’Emila-Romagna, Italy

Daniela Pinna has been working as a biologist at the Italian Cultural Heritage Ministry since 1987. Since 2011, she has been lecturing on biodeterioration and degradation of bioarcheological materials at Bologna University (International Degree Course Science for the Conservation-Restoration of Cultural Heritage). She was involved in the European Projects EU-ARTECH (Access Research and Technology for the Conservation of the European Cultural Heritage—2004–2009) and CHARISMA (Cultural Heritage Advanced Research Infrastructures: Synergy for a Multidisciplinary Approach to Conservation/Restoration—2009–2014).

She has published two books and several articles on those subjects. She is editor of the book Scientific Examination for the Investigation of Paintings: A Handbook for Conservators-Restorers (Centro Di, Firenze, 2009). Moreover, she is involved in the activity of CEN/TC 346. CEN is the European Committee for Standardization and TC346 is in charge for standards related to conservation of cultural heritage. Her areas of specialization include biodeterioration of heritage objects, prevention and treatment of biodeteriogens, testing and evaluation of conservation products, and the control of treatment efficacy and durability in the field of stone, mortar, mural paintings, and polychrome sculpture conservation. She graduated in Biology from Padua University, Italy.




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