Studying and Investigating the Fungal Contamination and Determining the Acidity Level of the Manuscript Paper of the Bible Belonging to the Year 1150 AD

Fungal contamination and increased acidity are the most fundamental factors contributing to the erosion and destruction of historical manuscripts, including the manuscript of the Bible from the year 1150 AD. This work is housed in the museum of Archbishop Ardak Manoukian of Hazrat Maryam Church in Tehran. It is regarded as a significant treasure of Armenian cultural and artistic heritage, as well as an integral part of the cultural identity of the Christian community. Given the importance of this topic, the main objective of this research is to investigate the extent of fungal damage and the acidity level ofthe manuscript in question. This study is experimental in nature, consisting of laboratory investigations conducted over the span of one month in the laboratory of the Conservation and Restoration Faculty at Iran University of Art. To measure the acidity of the paper, a colorimetric method was employed following the standard of direct titration. Additionally, to assess fungal contamination, samples were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar Solid Medium, and a transmission polarizing microscope was utilized for examination. Chaetomium and Penicillium fungi were isolated from one of the eight samples tested, and an increase in acidity was observed in the manuscript's paper. Due to the complexities of technology, pathology, and environmentalsensitivity, this manuscript requires specific guidelines in museums and repositories to minimize fungal contamination and acidity levels in the paper.