Biocolonization of Stone: Control and Preventive Methods (Proceedings from the MCI Workshop Series)

This volume brings together the papers that were presented at the Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute (MCI) Workshop “Biocolonization of Stone: Control and Preventive Methods” that was held at the MCI on 20–22 April 2009. Seven papers and five case studies were presented. The papers dealt with such diverse topics as microbiological laboratory studies; combination of on-site testing and laboratory evaluation for World Heritage Sites, such as Angkor Wat; and a literature overview. The five case studies presented practical experiences from work with a diverse range of subjects: Veterans Affairs cemeteries, the Stanford Mausoleum in San Francisco, the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery, the deer stones in Mongolia, and the San Ignacio Mini Jesuit mission in Misiones, Argentina. An objective of the workshop was to obtain answers to the following three questions: 1. What should be the criteria for determining when microbial colonization and growth on stone heritage materials is problematic? 2. Are there new methods with minimum environmental impact that will prevent microbial deterioration and colonization and control recolonization of stone after a conservation intervention? 3. What future research directions can help achieve these goals? The answers to these questions were discussed during the meeting and are summarized in the conclusions included in this volume.