The Impact of Preservative Storage Environment Adjustment on the Sustainability of Archival Materials: A Case Study on Microbiological Pollution in Library Collections

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Conservation and Restoration Department, Bibliotheca Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt

2 Faculty of Fine Arts, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract

This research aims to study the impact of temperature and relative humidity variations, along with microbiological contamination, on archival materials, particularly photographic images, focusing on fungal and bacterial species. The study involves assessing microbiological pollution levels by collecting samples from various locations within the storage areas of museum collections at the University of Alexandria and Bibliotheca Alexandria. Suitable nutrient media are used for the growth of fungi and bacteria, and temperature and relative humidity are measured over a period using a Data Logger device. The research also includes measuring air pollution levels. The results indicate the influence of certain fungi and bacteria present in the air on museum collections.

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