Biodeterioration of Audio-Visual Materials
Keywords:
biodeterioration, photos, films, microbial identification, metagenomicsAbstract
Photographic and film materials carry a unique testimony of our ancestors' lives. For this reason, we must pay attention to the careful archiving and inspection to preserve its legacy for future generations. Although the influence of physical conditions on audio-visual materials is a well-known phenomenon, microorganisms' impact has long been neglected. This article presents: (i) examples of the most common manifestations of biodeterioration, such as changes in colour or texture; (ii) a summary of methods to identify the originators of these processes; (iii) reasons for the importance of correct sampling; and (iv) description of the most contaminating microorganisms on photographs and film reels.