Tutankhamun Tomb: A Closer Look at Biodeterioration Preliminary Report
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English German |
| ISBN: | ISBN 3-8062-1925-7 |
| Online Access: | http://www.viks.sk/chk/schimmel20.doc |
| Abstract: | SUMMARIES. The tomb of Tutankhamen has been infested with fungi since its discovery in 1922. The objectives of this study were to examine the walls in the tomb and the underlying rock to identify the types of fungi present, and examine the nutrients supplied by the paint. Several species of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Cladosporium were found, as well as Saccharomyces, Rhodotorula and perithecial fungi. CONCLUSION. Our studies are still preliminary and will continue with the procurement of more samples in the near future. With respect to the future of fungi in the tomb, we do not believe their growth will diminish. As long as conditions remain the same, that is, optimum humidity and temperature for fungi, the tomb and the walls that make them up will continue to promote their growth. The most radical options would be to encase the walls in glass creating a microclimate, or the complete removal of the mural from the wall for storage and display under controlled conditions. A more reasonable but maybe only temporary solution could be the use of selective chemicals which retard fungal growth, coupled with the control of humidity and restriction of the number of visitors entering the tomb. |
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| ISBN: | ISBN 3-8062-1925-7 |
