A NEW LOW IMPACT CLEANING METHOD TO REMOVE BIOPATINAS FROM MARBLE SURFACES

Biocide treatments are considered one of the most practical approaches to remove biological colonization from artworks, including stone. Numerous studies have focused on the effects and drawbacks of these treatments and many alternative methods have been recently proposed to reduce potential hazards to human health and the environment. In this study a solvent gel containing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used on colonized marble artefacts at the monumental cemetery of Bonaria (Cagliari - Italy) to remove biological patinas. The protocol efficiency was evaluated by scanning electronic microscopy, rugosimetric and colorimetric measurements and growth tests. To validate the method, a comparative study was also performed with some biocides currently used in conservation practices. DMSO solvent gel treatment proved efficient in removing patinas from marble surfaces, safe, easy to use, and cheap.