2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG
Santo, Alba Patrizia; Agostini, Beatrice; Cuzman, Oana Adriana; Michelozzi, Marco; Salvatici, Teresa; Perito, Brunella
The search for more sustainable strategies to contrast biodeterioration of stone cultural heritage has been developing in recent years to find alternatives to synthetic biocides, since their toxicity and potential impact on the environment and health. In this study, the application of the oregano and thyme essential oils (EOs) was tested to control microbial growth on the external marble of Florence Cathedral affected by extended darkening. Before in situ application, preliminary tests were carried out to evaluate the interference of the EOs with marble (colorimetric and water absorption assays on marble specimens) and their efficacy in inhibiting marble microbiota (sensitivity test on nutrient media). EOs inhibited the whole cultivable microbiota sampled from the Cathedral marble at a very low concentration, while they did not interfere with colour and water absorption capability of uncolonised marble samples when applied as a 2 % solution. Then the two EOs and the commercial biocide Biotin T were used in in situ trials on marble in two outdoor study sites of Florence Cathedral. The effectiveness of the treatments was assessed through short- and mid-term evaluation by multidisciplinary in situ non-invasive (colorimetric and ATP assays, microscopy) and ex situ (microbial viable titer) tests. Concerning results, we found a good correspondence between parameters for evaluation of viability (bacterial and fungi viable titer) and activity (ATP determination) and some correspondence among these and microscopy and colorimetry. Considering the whole data, treatments with oregano and thyme EOs were effective against microbial community, in more cases comparably to the commercial biocide. Some differences found, particularly by viable titer, in the two study sites or in bacterial and fungal components of the microbiota can be partly attributed to differences in structure and colonization pattern of the microbial community due to the peculiar climatic conditions of the differently exposed study areas.
2023, Contributo in volume, ENG
Castellini, Marta; Cuzman, Oana Adriana; Rescic, Silvia; Tanganelli, Marco; Landi, Stefano; Riminesi, Cristiano
Water repellent treatments and combined products such as consolidant and hydrophobic formulations have been considered suitable methods to improve durability-related properties of exposed concrete surfaces. Since buildings in urban context usually suffer decay due to carbonation-induced reinforcement corrosion, in this work the authors studied how this range of protective products can affect the carbonation process of the concrete with regard of the case study of Palazzo degli Affari in Florence. An accelerated ageing test by CO2 exposure was performed on concrete mock-ups realised with the same recipe of the original, in order to evaluate the laboratory performance provided by the considered treatments. The assessment of the carbonation resistance was made by analysing the performance of the product actually employed in the conservation intervention of the Palazzo and other commercial formulations. Finally, the experimental results returned by the untreated samples were used to validate the fully-probabilistic method proposed by the fib-Bulletin 34 to predict the development of carbonation depth.
2023, Articolo in rivista, ENG
Cuzman O.A.; Luvidi L.; Colantonio C.; Raio A.; Taiti S.
The subterranean heritage includes both natural and built sites with a strong cultural and historical fingerprint, some of each being enriched with painted surfaces. These semi-confined environments shelter specific and fragile biodiversity. This paper is focused on the case of a Roman painting (2nd-3rd century AD) located in an underground archaeological site in Marino Laziale, near Rome, which was opened to the public for the first time in 2021. The painted Mithraic scene is in a good state of conservation. The methodological approach included on site and laboratory investigations aimed to screen the main biological components associated to this hypogeum monument. The observed biodiversity included heterotrophic and chemolithotrophic microorganisms, and a mesofauna composed of eutroglophile and subtroglophile species, characteristic for many subterranean environments. The ecological mechanisms and the conservation state of the work of art were analyzed for planning the best fruition practices. The aesthetic change, the possible mechanical damages induced by various organisms, and the presence of significant amounts of organic matter, represent the main risks for painting conservation. These aspects, beside the new possible risks associated with the presence of visitors, are under a constant and ongoing conservation surveillance program.
2022, Articolo in rivista, CPE
Riminesi, Cristiano; Cuzman, Oana Adriana; Moczko, Mateusz; Raszczuk, Krzysztof
Many concrete buildings erected during the 20th century are assuming a cultural and historical value, and their conservation against the climate changes and the urban impact represent a major challenge for the heritage science for the future. A key aspect for their preservation is the development/application of innovative testing approaches based on non-destructive and portable techniques (NDPT) for diagnostics and monitoring the state of conservation. This research activity has been conducted on the case study of the Centennial Hall exhibition centre in Wroclaw (Poland), where the physical and mechanical characteristics of cementitious materials were estimated through indirect methods and therefore compared to prove their efficiency and usefulness in the limitation of invasive inspections. These methods were focused to control the hardness and compactness of the material (by ultrasonic pulse velocity and rebound tests), the surface permeability (by sponge test method), the water and salts content of the material (by Evanescent Field Dielectrometry - EFD), and the change of colour (by colorimetric measurements). In order to test the strength of the proposed approach, all these techniques (except the EFD) were made in duplicate by two different teams, using different instruments but following a similar protocol. The data were compared in between, and the environmental conditions were also considered. The results showed a good repeatability, furnishing useful information about the quality of concrete and its state of conservation, as well as possible forethoughts for a proper interpretation. This multi-technique approach could support the conservation decisions making process for the management of historic concrete building.
2022, Articolo in rivista, ENG
Fratini F.; Rescic S.; Cuzman O.A.; Pierattini P.
The research examines the alteration phenomena of Giglio island granite, a rock quarried by Romans from the 3rd century, used for columns in the Italian peninsula and later reemployed in many Christian religious buildings. The study has shown that already in the bedrock there are small percentages of clay minerals. Starting from this condition, the alteration develops by an increase in porosity, which in turn favours the establishment of a slight hydrolysis of the silicates with a decrease in Na, Ca, and K, in accordance with the sericitisation process. The alteration proceeds with a further increase in porosity, apparently not related to a real loss of cohesion, which, however, occurs shortly after, highlighting the necessity of a continuous monitoring of the state of conservation of the material in the architectural heritage.
2022, Rapporto tecnico, ITA
Cantisani E., Castellini M., Cuzman O.A., Fineschi S., Longo S., Manganelli del Fà R., Riminesi C., Sacchi B., Vettori S.
E' stata eseguita una approfondita campagna diagnostica per la verifica dello stato di conservazione delle sculture del bacino di Nettuno e del Bacino dell'Isola presso il Giardino di Boboli. Sono state effettuate: documentazione fotografica delle principali fenomenologie di degrado, analisi floristica della componente vegetale macroscopica, misure con ultrasuoni, campionamento e successive analisi di laboratorio per l' identificazione dei materiali e relativi fenomeni di degrado, valutazione preliminare dell'efficacia di possibili trattamenti di pulitura delle patine biologiche.
2022, Articolo in rivista, ENG
Menicucci F., Palagano E., Michelozzi M., Cencetti G., Raio A., Bacchi A., Mazzeo P.P., Cuzman O.A., Sidoti A., Guarino S., Basile S., Riccobono O., Peri E., Vizza F., Ienco A.
Paper items from historical archives and libraries are frequently colonized by biodeteriogens, the management of which is a major concern. Essential oil Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) of thymol, carvacrol and eugenol, with high levels of antimicrobial and insect repellent activity, were stabilized within crystalline networks of ?-cyclodextrins and phenazine-based cocrystals, as a new tool for the control of paper-degrading agents. These formulations were obtained via solvent-free methodologies and resulted as easy handling powders, suitable for the treatment of paper items by indirect contact. Their antimicrobial activity was evaluated on the following species isolated from a book depository at Forte Belvedere (Florence, IT): Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium sp., Trichoderma orientale, Metschnikowia sp., and Bacillus sp. Both formulates displayed a significant antimicrobial activity in vitro, with cocrystals showing higher efficacy than ?-cyclodextrins. The formulates were also tested against the pest Lasioderma serricorne, towards which the cocrystals entrapping carvacrol and thymol exhibited repellent activity. Overall, the phenazine-carvacrol cocrystal was the best-performing formulate, also giving favourable outcomes in terms of antifungal activity in an on-paper in vitro experiment designed to reproduce on a small-scale the critical conditions of an infested archive. These promising results pave the way towards further experimentations of VOC-based solid formulates, to shed light on such products applicability for the preservation of paper items.
2022, Contributo in atti di convegno, ENG
Fratini F.; Cuzman O.A.; Rescic S.
This work analyses the interventions carried out in two close villages, Montecastelli Pisano and Cerbaiola, located in southern Tuscany, in an old mining area called "Colline Metallifere" (Metalliferous hills). Both villages have suffered a strong depopulation after the cessation of the mining activity. Fortunately, both of them are still surviving albeit with different strategies. Montecastelli Pisano was a mining centre in the Medieval Period and later, in the XIXth century, due to a copper vein discovery. Nowadays only 60 people reside in the village but thanks to a small group of willing foreigners who have found here their refuge, the village is rich in cultural activities. Cerbaiola was founded in 1750 as an open countryside village, with an agricultural function, 4 km far from Montecastelli. In the early 60s of the last century, with the end of sharecropping, this small village was completely abandoned and has slowly undergone a process of transformation in ruins. In the 80s part of the buildings have been restored entering in the rural accommodation circuit. The methodologies adopted in the building refurbishment/conservation will be examined in the belief that only by searching for compatible solutions in terms of materials, structures and functionality, it is possible to become promoters of an effective conservation of the rural villages as an architectural heritage of the Mediterranean countries.
2022, Contributo in volume, ENG
Manganelli Del Fà R.; Casciani A.; Vettori S.; Cuzman O.A.; Tiano P.; Rosa P.; Riminesi C.
A garden is a complexity of components with very different evolution and decay rates (cit.) (Dezzi Bardeschi M, Restauro: punto e da capo. Frammenti per una (impossibile) teoria, a cura di V. Locatelli, 8a Edizione. Franco Angeli, Milano, 2009). In historical gardens, artworks are constituted by heterogeneous materials such as natural and artificial stones that are subject to different deterioration. The main decay phenomena depend on the characteristics of the original material, the presence of metal structures of completion, and environmental factors, both natural and anthropogenic. The environment and minerals salts favor the proliferation of flora and micro flora that are intimately related to the chemical composition and morphological structure, and the microbial communities with more biodiversity are those able to degrade the materials selectively. Other damages are due to accidents or vandalism. An interdisciplinary diagnostic approach is fundamental to understand the state of conservation of artworks outdoors, determine the causes of decay, and choose between restoration and maintenance intervention. Nonetheless, a sustainable choice of minimized intervention at a low impact on artworks and the environment is a priority. In this contribution, the research activity and the results obtained in several case studies are discussed.
2021, Contributo in atti di convegno, ENG
Theodoridou M.; Cuzman O.A.; Tiano P.; Perito B.; Harbottle M.
Natural stone is one of the most widely used geological construction materials. Although stone masonry structures have the potential to survive over centuries, they may be subject to significant damage and deterioration. Various conservation treatments have been explored for modifying the characteristics of stone, often in the layer closer to the surface. However, treatments may limit the breathability of the material triggering further damage. This work studies microbially induced carbonate precipitation by bacteria as a breathable alternative for the protection of building stone from deterioration. The mineralogical composition and pore structure of most stone types used in construction are favourable for the growth of bacterial communities, while calcium carbonate as the healing product is highly compatible with the substrate. A protocol for the application and assessment of biological healing was determined, taking into consideration the specific needs of bulk materials and existing structures. Sporosarcina pasteurii, an aerobic, ureolytic bacterium, was applied to two different types of stone: i) a massive calcitic chalk from Cyprus, popularly called Lympia stone, ii) a dolomitic limestone from Italy, popularly known as Pietra d'Angera. The healing effect of the newly formed minerals was determined and compared to reference samples by recording changes in water absorption and drilling resistance, as well as by means of SEM/EDS and confocal microscopy on calcein stained samples. The results demonstrated that Sporosarcina pasteurii induced sufficient cementation in the near surface region of the specimens to an extent that could be considered protective, yet compatible with the natural properties of the materials
2021, Articolo in rivista, ENG
Spada M.; Sorella F.; Galeotti M.; Tosini I.; Cuzman O.A.
The use of EO (essential oils) either alone or in mixture has become a very attractive option as a green method to remove biological infestation from outdoor stone, but it still needs research for defining the most appropriate conditions of application. The aim of this paper is to screen the effectiveness of seven plant EO (alone or in combinations) taking into account key factors for obtaining a satisfactory treatment, such as: (i) the proper concentration/application timing ratio and (ii) the best poultice to enhance the performance of EO. Several combinations of these factors were applied on a marble slab naturally colonized mainly by phototrophs. The assessment of the organisms vitality, as an indicator of the treatment efficiency, was tested by using two portable and non-invasive techniques with an immediate response: the autofluorescence of the phototrophic pigments and bioluminescence of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecule. Microphotography and colour measurements were also used. The most efficient treatment was then successfully applied on a real marble statue (Archaeological Museum of Florence, Italy).
2021, Articolo in rivista, ENG
Spada M.; Cuzman O.A.; Tosini I.; Galeotti M.; Sorella F.
In order to achieve eco-friendly restorations, researchers and stone conservators are shifting towards low environmental impact biocides like plant natural extracts. The application of essential oils mixtures was tested in order to select and carry out a biocidal treatment on the Statue of Silvanus (National Archaeological Museum of Florence). Four essential oils (Coridothymus capitatus L., Syzigium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry, Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume and Origanum vulgare subsp. Hirtum Link Ietsw.) were chosen and blended, obtaining two different mixtures used for the treatment of the statue. They were applied by using three different carriers (agar-agar, Politect® and Carbogel) for ensuring a better biocide-patina contact. The poultice method allowed to use low concentrations and long times of application. This methodology required corrective actions, linked to the peculiarity of the stone masterpiece, like the pH adjustment of the compound. The results are an important precedent for the use of essential oils as biocidal treatment on outdoors stone heritage. In particular, the low concentration that have been used are non-toxic for humans and entail no environmental bioaccumulation. Moreover, the statue will be further constantly monitored in order to document the long lasting effect of the applied treatments.
2021, Articolo in rivista, ENG
Santo A.P.; Cuzman O.A.; Petrocchi D.; Pinna D.; Salvatici T.; Perito B.
Weathering processes seriously affect the durability of outdoor marble monuments. In urban environments, a very common deterioration phenomenon is the dark discoloration or blacken-ing of marble. This paper describes a multidisciplinary study on the state of conservation of white marbles of the Florence Cathedral and the microbial community involved in their deterioration. The study is focused on the widespread dark discoloration of marble analyzed in two differently exposed sites of the Cathedral. It aims to provide information useful for future interventions to control the microbial growth. By chemical and petrographic analysis, in situ and ex situ microscopy, and cultivation and identification of microorganisms, it was found that (i) the darkening is mainly due to the growth of black fungi and dark cyanobacteria and (ii) the state of conservation of marble and the growth pattern of microorganisms seems to be linked to the microclimatic conditions, in particular to solar radiation exposure. This is the first report on the lithobiontic community inhabiting the Florence Cathedral marbles, with a more detailed investigation of the culturable mycobiota.
2021, Articolo in rivista, ENG
Bolivar-Galiano F.; Cuzman O.A.; Abad-Ruiz C.; Sanchez-Castillo P.
All fountains are inhabited by phototrophic microorganisms, especially if they are functional and located outdoors. This fact, along with the regular presence of water and the intrinsic bioreceptivity of stone material, easily favors the biological development. Many of these organisms are responsible for the biodeterioration phenomena and recognizing them could help to define the best strategies for the conservation and maintenance of monumental fountains. The presence of biological growth involves different activities for the conservation of artistic fountains. This paper is a review of the phototrophic biodiversity reported in 46 fountains and gives a whole vision on coping with biodeteriogens of fountains, being an elementary guide for professionals in the field of stone conservation. It is focused on recognizing the main phototrophs by using simplified dichotomous keys for cyanobacteria, green algae and diatoms. Some basic issues related to the handling of the samples and with the control of these types of microalgae are also briefly described, in order to assist interested professionals when dealing with the biodiversity of monumental fountains.
2020, Contributo in atti di convegno, ENG
Cuzman O.A.; Rescic S.; Tiano P.
An efficient protection implies an optimal condition not only against the water inlet but also for the water outlet through evaporation. The compatibility of a treatment involves three main aspects: aesthetical, physical and chemical. In the paper the physical aspect was mainly considered, focusing on the characterization of one compatibility parameter: the Water Vapour Permeability (WVP). This parameter is determined in laboratory with the "cup method" in agreement with UNI EN 15803:2010, while does not exist a correspondent on site technique. In the paper is proposed a new metodology: "Contact Bag" (CB), for the estimation of the WVP both in lab and on site. The CB allows to easily determine the amount in weight of the water evaporated by a stone surface in 24 hours. The special plastic bag, containing a known amount of silica gel, is applied on a stone surface with an adhesive and sealing material for different time intervals. The silica gel forces and traps the water vapour present into the stone. The most reliable results have been obtained with a contact time of 24 h. The method has been validated in laboratory on Lecce limestone specimens, comparing the CB values with those obtained with the standard dry cup method (UNI EN 15803:2010). The experimental results, using the new methodology, are in agreement with the standard method. The compatibility of the protective treatment made with Fluoline HY has been evaluated either on Lecce limestone and on specimen of Gioia marble, Portland limestone, Monte Senario sandstone and Portland Cement 42.5R.
2020, Articolo in rivista, ENG
Matteini M.; Fratini F.; Rescic S.; Baldan M.; Campana L.; Cuzman O.A.
The aim of this this research is to verify the suitability of some treatments based on ammonium oxalate and ammonium phosphate for the consolidation and protection of the internal entrance of Palazzo Verita Montanari (1583) in Verona, made of Avesa Stone. Different application protocols of the two products have been compared (the product alone, in mutual sequence, in mixture). The efficacy and limitations of the treatments are discussed on the basis of the results obtained with various types of diagnostic analyzes, invasive and non-invasive, as part of a laboratory experimentation carried out on specimens of the same carbonate stone.
2020, Articolo in rivista, ENG
Bracci S.; Magrini D.; Manganelli del Fà R.; Cuzman O.A.; Mazzei B.
The Lot Sarcophagus is one of the most relevant funerary sculptures of late antiquity (mid-4th century AC). Some of the remarkable aspects are the following (i) it is still preserved in situ; (ii) most of the carved scenes are rarities or unicum; (iii) not all the sculpture work has been completed, which allows us to analyse the executive process; (iv) many traces of polychromy have remained. This paper is focused on the characterization of the residual polychromy by using in-situ noninvasive techniques. Furthermore, few micro samples were taken, to be analysed in laboratory to study the composition of some deposits and to define if a preparatory layer was present under the coloured layer. The data showed that the very rich polychromy of the Lot Sarcophagus was made of Egyptian blue, yellow ochre, and three different types of red: two inorganics (red ochre and cinnabar), and one organic-based (madder lake). Furthermore, some decorations, completely vanished and no longer visible to the naked eye, have been rediscovered, also providing details on the construction phases. During the project, the 3D model of the sarcophagus was acquired, which afterwards was used to map the results of the diagnostic campaign.
2020, Contributo in volume, ITA
A. Casciani, C. Riminesi, P. Rosa, R. Manganelli Del Fà, S. Vettori, O.A. Cuzman, P. Tiano,
La conservazione del patrimonio necessita di un approccio interdisciplinare che consenta una comprensione esaustiva dello stato di conservazione del bene oggetto dell'attenzione e una progettazione dell'intervento di restauro o di manutenzione adeguata all'opera inserita nel particolare contesto del giardino - nell'anfiteatro, vicino alla fontana centrale, alla peschiera, al muro di cinta, all'altana della villa e nella piccola loggia. L'intervento in quanto tale è totalmente a carico del restauratore che talvolta chiede il supporto dello scientifico per dirimere qualche scelta operativa, come per esempio, la compatibilità di un prodotto con un precedente trattamento. In questo contributo sono fornite delle linee guida per il restauro, per l'intervento di manutenzione e per la programmazione della manutenzione sugli arredi lapidei in marmo presenti nel giardino di Villa Guicciardini Corsi Salviati. L'approccio stabilito in questo particolare contesto ha una validità del tutto generale e può essere generalizzato e applicato in altri ambiti.
2019, Rapporto di progetto (Project report), ITA
Sacchi B.; Cuzman O.A.
Nell'ambito dell'intervento da parte della ditta Arterestauro sugli affreschi della volta sita sul vano scale della Villa Di Lupo Parra a Cascina (PI), l'Istituto di Scienze del Patrimonio Culturale del CNR ha effettuato, su richiesta della suddetta ditta, alcune analisi non invasive di tipo microbiologico, con l'obiettivo di individuare la possibile presenza di cellule vitali (dovute a funghi, batteri o simili) sulla superficie dipinta, ed eventualmente verificarne la natura. Sono state fatte delle misure tramite un bioluminometro portatile, a seguito delle quali non sono stati effettuati microprelievi dalla superficie interessata, non essendo stata rilevata presenza microbiologica significativa.
2019, Rapporto tecnico, ITA
Emma Cantisani, Oana Cuzman, Silvia Vettori
Nell'ambito dell'intervento di restauro su 4 colonne con lacerti di pittura, site nella Certosa di Calci sono state effettuate ndagini diagnostiche su 4 colonne con lacerti di pittura. Le indagini sono state condotte mediante l'applicazione di metodologie analitiche direttamente in situ e tramite il prelievo di microcampioni. Oltre alla conoscenza dei materiali e dello stato di conservazione le indagini sono state utili per pianificare il progetto di restauro.