Advanced Methods for Investigation

**79**

**Chapter 5**

Heritage

**Abstract**

*and Rodica-Mariana Ion*

fungal) on painted surface.

**1. Introduction**

Microscopical Methods for

the In Situ Investigation of

Biodegradation on Cultural

*Verginica Schröder, Daniela Turcanu Carutiu, Adina Honcea* 

The processes of cultural heritage sites' degradation reveal interactions between the chemical characteristics of the substrates, the underlying substrate penetration, and the microbiota systems. Microorganisms penetrate the stone, causing extensive disaggregation of the materials. This chapter reveals comparative studies between the usual research approaches applied in biodegradation studies, especially optical microscopy, epifluorescence, and electron microscopy (SEM). These in situ microscopy techniques propose some complex analyses for the evaluation of the relationship between the microorganism's cells and the stone surfaces (adherence, interactions), and also for the evaluation of the level of health or balance of the niche complex, from mesoscale to microscale. The stages of the exact monitorization and evaluation of lithotypes and deterioration phenomena are periodical sampling and monument mapping. The aim of this chapter is to identify microscopical methods used in biodegradation studies, especially the facilities provided by these methods. Our in situ analysis (light microscopy, epifluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy) performed for the first time on the painted Matia-Fresco Loggia (Corvin Castle, Romania) highlighted several aspects, such as mixtures of mineral elements with different chromatic appearance and porosity, shredding degradation, depigmented areas, cracked portions, and highly biota activity (bacterial and

**Keywords:** microscopy, epifluorescence, biodeterioration, microbiota,

Most cultural monuments are subject to a degrading phenomenon induced by a number of abiotic and biotic factors: pollution, temperature, and humidity variations; periodic conservation interventions; touristic actions; and the colonization with biota. The microclimate defines the level of colonization, the type of contamination, the complexity of community, and its specific composition [1]. As a result, the degradation process is one that must be understood from an ecological

stone surfaces, Matia-Fresco Loggia, Corvin Castle
