Characterization of particulate matter in microenvironments of cultural heritage conservation sites

• Grant number: 08/04551-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2008
• End date: December 31, 2009
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Andrea Cavicchioli
• Grantee: Ericka Pardini Morrone
• Host Institution: Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades (EACH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 06/61437-3 - Impact of microenvironments in cultural heritage conservation, AP.JP

Abstract

The atmospheric composition of indoor microenvironments of cultural heritage conservation sites has been, in recent years, thoroughly studied, thus resulting in increased number of publications and scientific events devoted to this topic of investigation. On the other hand, research on particulate matter (PM) has been rather limited, even if this air component is an important factor of damage risk for cultural artifacts. This project aims at enlightening type, source and possible impacts of aerosols found in a number of museums in the city of São Paulo (Brazil), whose atmosphere suffers from chronic and severe pollution problems, PM being one of its most critical components. The main objective of the work is to define a methodology for sampling and characterizing different particle fractions on the basis of majoritary and trace inorganic species. Both active and passive sampling techniques will be employed for the purpose. Detection and quantification will be carried out by ion chromatography and stripping voltammetry. Data will be elaborated to obtain information on the source and dynamics of PM in the museums and to highlight possible impacts on the conservation of cultural heritage and the health of visitors, as well as to identify mitigation strategies. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

CAVICCHIOLI, ANDREA; MORRONE, ERICKA PARDINI; FORNARO, ADALGIZA. Particulate matter in the indoor environment of museums in the megacity of São Paulo. Química Nova, v. 37, n. 9, p. 1427-1435, 2014. (06/61437-3, 08/04551-3)