An Applied Study of the Effect of Air Pollution on Non-Environmentally Friendly Colors of Archaeological Oil Paintings in The Vicinity of the Nubia Museum in Aswan

Abstract

Aswan government in south Egypt is famous with its monuments, so there must be measurement and detailed characterization of pollutant present in it and its effect on colures for perfect conservation to ancient paintings and archaeologies. The study carried out in Aswan city, one of the most polluted areas with gases and particulates (it is characterized by the presence of large industrial centers such as the Kima Aswan plant which cause high levels of pollutants). The study carried out by measuring atmospheric pollutants (RH%, Temperature, TSP and Smoke) during exposure of colored materials consisting of earth pigments mixed with oil medium (linseed oil) applied on canvas and measure the impact of inappropriate environmental conditions on them. The study was done using modern methods of testing and analyzes such as EDX-SEM, XRD,FTIR and Spectrophotometer. The results indicate the discoloration of the colors and the presence of a black layer of different thickness on the surface of the samples consisting mainly of dust and a calcified white layer of mineral soap.

Keywords: Air pollution, RH%, Temperature, TSP, Smoke, earth pigments, painting.