Abstract In the last decade, biopolymers have been used as organic soil binders in ground improvement and earthen construction material modification. Although biopolymer-treated soils substantially enhanced mechanical strength, deformation characteristics under external loads durability (e.g. biodeterioration due to microbial activity) not yet fully understood, which limits situ practical appli...

This paper presents the results of a comparative analysis preparations used for reducing risk associated with biological agents, which may cause diseases in humans, as well destruction materials and biofouling different equipment. In course selecting disinfectants it is possible necessary to combine such actual requirements high level ecological compatibility economical feasibility. Preparation...

Following the discovery of discoloration on some pages of the Atlantic Codex (AC) of Leonardo da Vinci kept in the Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan, some investigations have been carried out to verify the presence of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. To verify the presence of microorganisms a noninvasive method of sampling has been used that was efficient and allowed us to highlight the...

This paper describes some biodegradation processes originating from the activity of microorganisms in the black crusts of historic buildings. The crusts are mainly composed of gypsum, carbonaceous particles, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The slowly dissolving gypsum from black crusts represents a continuous source of sulphur for microbial growth. The sulphate-bonding capacity of the she...

This work focuses on the peculiar alterations found on various canvases from the refectory of the Carthusian monastery in Granada. The works studied were by the Baroque painter from Granada, Juan Sanchez-Cotin. During the study, the biological origin of these alterations was confirmed as being due to the products excreted by vespertilionid chiroptera, which roost in the summer on the corner bra...

The biodeterioration of cementitious materials in sewer networks has become a major economic, ecological, and public health issue. Establishing suitable standardized test is essential if sustainable construction are to be developed qualified for sewerage environments. Since purely chemical tests proven not representative the actual deterioration phenomena real conditions, biological test–named ...