Publication
Title
Characterization of indoor and outdoor atmospheric pollutants impacting architectural monuments : the case of San Jerónimo Monastery (Granada, Spain)
Author
Abstract
Indoor and outdoor concentrations of atmospheric gaseous pollutants as well as composition, size, and morphology of particulate matter have been investigated at the monastery of San Jerónimo in Granada (Southern Spain). Complementary micro- and nano-analytical techniques were applied; elemental and mineralogical composition and morphological characteristics of particulate matter were investigated combining electron probe microanalysis at the single particle level, and bulk aerosol samples were analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Microclimatic conditions at the monastery were monitored, and gas concentrations were assessed by means of diffusion tubes subsequently analyzed with ion chromatography. Results revealed high abundances of soil dust particles (aluminosilicates, calcite, dolomite, quartz), salt aerosols (chlorides, sulfates and ammonium-rich salts), and NO2 and SO2 both outdoors and indoors. Amorphous black carbon particles had surprisingly high abundances for Granada, a non-industrialized city. The composition of indoor particles corresponds to severe weathering affecting the construction materials and artworks inside the church; moreover their composition promotes a feedback process that intensifies the deterioration. Chemical reactions between chloride-rich salts and pigments from paintings were confirmed by TEM analyses. Indoors, blackening of surface decorative materials is fostered by particle re-suspension due to cleaning habits in the monastery (i.e. dusting). This is the first air quality study performed in a monument in the city of Granada with the aim of developing a strategy for preventive conservation.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Environmental earth sciences
Publication
2011
ISSN
1866-6280
DOI
10.1007/S12665-010-0657-5
Volume/pages
63 :7/8 (2011) , p. 1433-1445
ISI
000292744300003
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Assessment of atmospheric environmental risks related to artworks in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage complex of Alhambra (Granada, Spain) with the emphasis on the analysis of a unique collection of authentic pigment samples.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 05.08.2011
Last edited 15.11.2022
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