Volatile organic compounds are common pollutants in enclosed spaces and present a potential threat for cultural heritage collections. Irreversible damage on museum objects is caused mainly by low molecular weight carboxylic acids, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, ozone and hydrogen sulphide. Monitoring their concentrations is therefore in the interest of institutions that store and handle objects of cultural heritage.
This bachelor’s thesis consists of a literature review of acetic acid as a volatile organic pollutant that accelerates the deterioration of inorganic and organic materials. The detection and quantification techniques of acetic acid are presented. As part of the experimental work, the concentrations of four pollutants (acetic acid, formic acid, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide) are determined. The analytes are sampled using passive samplers, based on adsorption with triethanolamine, in the museum Vasa (Stockholm, Sweden) and are quantified using ion chromatography. Their determined concentrations are in the range of concentration limits for general museum collections. The results of two studies, sampled at the same locations four months apart, are compared. Based on the results the lowering of analyte concentrations in the air is caused by the adsorbent. Therefore, the use of adsorbents for the purpose of preventative preservation of cultural heritage objects is reasonable.
|
