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Paper Foxing Stains on a Historic Manuscript from the Early Qajar Era: Abiotic or Biotic Foxing? HERITAGE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/heritage4030074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the nature and cause of foxing spots in a historical manuscript. This manuscript was a Holy Quran from the beginning of the Qajar period and the end of the 18th century. Samples were incubated for 14 days and were evaluated for the presence of fungal activity. UV fluorescence photography, micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were also used to investigate the characteristics and causes of foxing spots. The results showed that there was no fungal activity in the foxing spots of this manuscript. Based on the morphology of the stain in UV fluorescence photography, these foxing stains are of the Bullseye type, usually associated with metal ions. µXRF spectroscopy also showed a high accumulation of iron and copper at the site of these spots. This indicates abiotic foxing in this manuscript. Based on FTIR spectroscopy and peak deconvolution and fitting by Gaussian function, abiotic foxing increases the cellulose oxidation rate. Intensification of cellulose oxidation in foxing stains can be considered as one of the reasons for paper discoloration.
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Pessanha S, Carvalho M, Carvalho ML, Dias A. Quantitative analysis of human remains from 18(th)-19(th) centuries using X-ray fluorescence techniques: The mysterious high content of mercury in hair. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2016; 33:26-30. [PMID: 26653740 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we report the unusual concentration of mercury in the hair of an individual buried in the 18th to mid-19th centuries and the comparison with the elemental composition of other remains from the same individual. Two energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) setups, one with tri-axial geometry and the second one with micro-beam capabilities and a vacuum system, for light elements detection, have been used. Quantitative evaluation of the obtained spectra were made by fundamental parameters and winAXIL program by compare mode method. The levels of Hg in the hair of buried samples presented a concentration over 5% (w/w), a significantly lower presence of this element in the cranium, and no Hg in the remaining organs. Furthermore, there was no evidence of Hg in the burial soil, which has been also analyzed. From this result, we could conclude that the possibility of post-mortem contamination from the burial surroundings is very unlikely. The obtained results are indicative of the apparent use of a mercury-based compound for medical purposes, most likely lice infestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Pessanha
- LIBPhys-UNL, Laboratory for Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering and Radiation Physics, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; Departamento de Física, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Marta Carvalho
- LIBPhys-UNL, Laboratory for Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering and Radiation Physics, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; Departamento de Física, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Maria Luisa Carvalho
- LIBPhys-UNL, Laboratory for Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering and Radiation Physics, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; Departamento de Física, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - António Dias
- LIBPhys-UNL, Laboratory for Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering and Radiation Physics, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; Departamento de Física, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
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Nunes M, Relvas C, Figueira F, Campelo J, Candeias A, Caldeira AT, Ferreira T. Analytical and microbiological characterization of paper samples exhibiting foxing stains. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2015; 21:63-77. [PMID: 25787782 DOI: 10.1017/s143192761500001x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This work comprises the use of a multi-analytical approach combined with microbiological studies to characterize six paper samples, containing foxing stains, from the 20th century, regarding their cellulose matrix, fillers, and sizing materials, and to evaluate possible paper degradation that might have occurred during the foxing stains. Photography under different illuminations and optical microscopy were used for morphological characterization of the paper samples and foxing stains. Scanning electron microscopy coupled energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) was of particular importance for defining the presence of fiber disorder and disruption on the surface of some of the stains, and localized accumulations of mineral-like particles on the surface of others. SEM-EDS, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FT-IR), and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) were used for the identification of mineral fillers, whereas sizing agents were analyzed using ATR-FT-IR. EDXRF results showed that no differences, within the standard deviation, were found in iron and copper contents between the foxed and unfoxed areas. Fungi belonging to the genus Penicillium spp. were found in all the paper samples. Unfoxed areas presented lower contamination than the foxed areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Nunes
- 1Departamento de Química,Escola de Ciência e Tecnologia,Centro de Química de Évora & Laboratório HERCULES,Universidade de Évora,Largo Marquês de Marialva, 8,7000-809 Évora,Portugal
| | - Cátia Relvas
- 1Departamento de Química,Escola de Ciência e Tecnologia,Centro de Química de Évora & Laboratório HERCULES,Universidade de Évora,Largo Marquês de Marialva, 8,7000-809 Évora,Portugal
| | - Francisca Figueira
- 2Laboratório José de Figueiredo,Direção Geral do Património Cultural,Rua das Janelas Verdes,1249-018 Lisboa,Portugal
| | - Joana Campelo
- 2Laboratório José de Figueiredo,Direção Geral do Património Cultural,Rua das Janelas Verdes,1249-018 Lisboa,Portugal
| | - António Candeias
- 1Departamento de Química,Escola de Ciência e Tecnologia,Centro de Química de Évora & Laboratório HERCULES,Universidade de Évora,Largo Marquês de Marialva, 8,7000-809 Évora,Portugal
| | - Ana T Caldeira
- 1Departamento de Química,Escola de Ciência e Tecnologia,Centro de Química de Évora & Laboratório HERCULES,Universidade de Évora,Largo Marquês de Marialva, 8,7000-809 Évora,Portugal
| | - Teresa Ferreira
- 1Departamento de Química,Escola de Ciência e Tecnologia,Centro de Química de Évora & Laboratório HERCULES,Universidade de Évora,Largo Marquês de Marialva, 8,7000-809 Évora,Portugal
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Guerra M, Longelin S, Pessanha S, Manso M, Carvalho ML. Development of a combined portable x-ray fluorescence and Raman spectrometer for in situ analysis. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2014; 85:063113. [PMID: 24985805 DOI: 10.1063/1.4883188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we have built a portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer in a planar configuration coupled to a Raman head and a digital optical microscope, for in situ analysis. Several geometries for the XRF apparatus and digital microscope are possible in order to overcome spatial constraints and provide better measurement conditions. With this combined spectrometer, we are now able to perform XRF and Raman measurements in the same point without the need for sample collection, which can be crucial when dealing with cultural heritage objects, as well as forensic analysis. We show the capabilities of the spectrometer by measuring several standard reference materials, as well as other samples usually encountered in cultural heritage, geological, as well as biomedical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Guerra
- Departamento de Física da Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Quinta da Torre, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - S Longelin
- Centro de Física Atómica da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 2 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - S Pessanha
- Centro de Física Atómica da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 2 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M Manso
- Centro de Física Atómica da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 2 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M L Carvalho
- Departamento de Física da Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Quinta da Torre, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
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Rakotonirainy MS, Dubar P. Application of bioluminescence ATP measurement for evaluation of fungal viability of foxing spots on old documents. LUMINESCENCE 2012; 28:308-12. [PMID: 22696448 DOI: 10.1002/bio.2382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2011] [Revised: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
An adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence-based protocol was tested to assess the viability of fungal species in old documents damaged by foxing. Foxing appears as scattered yellow brownish-red stains, damaging the aesthetics of documents and their long-term readability. In the field of cultural heritage conservation, the debate over the mechanism of foxing is ongoing. Previous studies found evidence of mold-like structures in some coloured areas; however, many species have not yet been identified and their role in the phenomenon is not understood. To better understand their involvement in this type of paper decay, we focused our attention first on their viability. We demonstrated the reliability and sensitivity of the ATP bioluminescence assay compared with conventional methods based on cultivation, which has rarely given rise to in vitro growth from foxed papers. From nine books dating back from the 19th and 20th centuries, the mean ATP amount of foxed spots ranged from 0.29 to 3.63 ng/cm(2), suggesting the presence of strains inside the brownish spots and providing evidence of their viability. Outside the spots, ATP content was considered negligible, with a mean ATP amount of 0 to 0.03 ng/cm(2). ATP assay appears to be a useful and robust method for the detection and quantification of viable elements in foxing spots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malalanirina Sylvia Rakotonirainy
- Centre de recherche sur la conservation des collections (CRCC), USR3224, Muséum national d'histoire naturelle, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication, 36 rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, CP21, 75005, Paris, France.
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Ferreira A, Figueira F, Pessanha S, Nielsen I, Carvalho ML. Study of air-induced paper discolorations by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2010; 64:149-153. [PMID: 20149275 DOI: 10.1366/000370210790619537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Air-induced paper discoloration is described as being different from other discoloration morphologies. It seems to be the result of prolonged exposure to air in a humid and polluted environment without appropriate protecting coverage. In this work, three folios from the same eighteenth century book, presenting three degrees of discoloration and opacity and subjected to different environmental conditions, were examined and compared. Samples were analyzed and compared by three different instrumental techniques, mid-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Chemical and physical changes were confirmed from the data collected by these techniques. The absence of the secondary amide band characteristic of proteins in the infrared spectra of the two discolored folios, accompanied by the appearance and increase of white mineral-like deposits visible in the SEM micrographs, support the idea that oxidation reactions occurred and that these two folios were subjected to more severe degradation hazard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Ferreira
- Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa, Rua B ao Bairro da Liberdade, Portugal
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