Investigation of Biological Contamination in the Documents of Imamzadeh Mohammad, Tafresh

Biological contamination of paper artifacts is a significant threat, causing not only damage to the paper itself but also posing health risks to conservators and restorers who are in close contact with them. Therefore, identifying the type of contamination is crucial for effective preservation and restoration. This article focuses on identifying biological contamination in a collection of paper artifacts from the Imamzadeh Mohammad in Tafresh, Iran. Preliminary examinations revealed evidence of biological contamination, including stains resulting from biological activity. These stains are a consequence of biodeterioration, leading to a reduction in the structural and artistic quality of the artifacts. To investigate the biological contamination, samples were taken from areas suspected of contamination and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar (for fungal contamination) and nutrient agar (for bacterial contamination). After incubation, the grown colonies were examined and identified. The results of the identification of isolated fungal and bacterial showed contamination with various fungi, including Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and yeasts, as well as bacteria belonging to the Actinomycetes and Bacillus genus.