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The termites are a derived eusocial lineage of otherwise non-social cockroaches. Understanding the proximal and ultimate drivers of this major evolutionary transition represents an important goal in biology. One outstanding question concerns the evolution of termite immunity, which is thought to have undergone broad-sweeping adaptations in order to enhance group-level immune protection. To understand the evolutionary origins of termite immunity, we conducted qualitative and quantitative transcriptome analyses along a gradient of sociality. Firstly, we aimed to identify large-scale genetic shifts in immune traits linked to eusociality by comparing immune gene repertoires in solitary and subsocial cockroaches and across a range of eusocial termite lineages. Secondly, we compared the responses of a solitary cockroach, a subsocial wood-roach and different castes of a lower termite species to a non-specific immune challenge, in order to understand how sociality may have influenced the evolution of immune gene regulation. Firstly, we found that termites have a broadly representative repertoire of canonical immune genes as compared to gregarious cockroaches and subsocial wood-roaches. Secondly, with respect to immune challenge, the solitary cockroach and the subsocial wood-roach displayed a similarly comprehensive induced response, while the termite response was considerably dampened by comparison and strongly influenced by caste; with reproductives displaying a generally higher constitutive level of immune-gene expression compared to sterile castes. In summary we did not find termite eusociality to be associated with significant changes in immune gene diversity, but rather to be linked with significant modifications to the regulation of immunity following the origin of division of labour.
Results suggest a reduction in immune gene repertoires in termites and possible complementary expression between termite castes. With comparative genomics we will investigate the evolution of gene families related to immunity, try to understand where reductions and expansions take place and relate these changes to shifts in sociality and ecology. The role of TEs in expansions and contractions of immune gene families will be investigated. For these analyses, we propose to generate high quality, highly contiguous genomes of species from different levels of sociality, covering all major termite families. With comparative transcriptomics we will investigate the expression of immune genes in different castes. Via network analyses we will identify pathways indicated in differential immunity between castes and between species of different sociality levels. We will investigate how these pathways have been rewired along the transitions to higher levels of sociality and how, intra-specifically, they change between castes.
A broad suite of immune adaptations have evolved in social insects which hold close parallels with the immune systems of multicellular individuals. However, comparatively little is known about the evolutionary origins of immunity in social insects. We tackle this by identifying immune genes from 18 cockroach and termite species, spanning a gradient of social lifestyles. Termites have undergone contractions of major immune gene families during the early origin of the group, particularly in antimicrobial effector and receptor proteins, followed by later re-expansions in some lineages. In a comparative gene expression analysis, we find that reproductive individuals of a termite invest more in innate immune regulation than other castes. When colonies encounter immune-challenged nestmates, gene expression responses are weak in reproductives but this pattern is reversed when colony members are immune-challenged individually, with reproductives eliciting a greater response to treatment than other castes. Finally, responses to immune challenge were more comprehensive in both subsocial and solitary cockroaches compared to termites, indicating a reduced overall ability to respond to infection in termites. Our study indicates that the emergence of termite sociality was associated with the evolution of a tapered yet caste-adapted immune system.
Termitidae comprises 80% of all termite species that play dominant decomposer roles in Tropical cosystems. Two major events during Termite evolution were the loss of cellulolytic gut protozoans in the ancestor of Termitidae and the subsequent gain in the termitid subfamily Macrotermitinae of fungal symbionts cultivated externally in ‘‘combs’’ constructed within the nest. How these symbiotic transitions occurred remains unresolved. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial data previously suggested that Macrotermitinae is the earliest branching termitid lineage, followed soon after by Sphaerotermitinae, which cultivates bacterial symbionts on combs inside its nests. This has led to the hypothesis that comb building was an important evolutionary step in the loss of gut protozoa in ancestral termitids. We sequenced genomes and transcriptomes of 55 termite species and reconstructed phylogenetic trees from up to 4,065 orthologous genes of 68 species. We found strong support for a novel sister-group relationship between the bacterial comb-building Sphaerotermitinae and fungus comb-building Macrotermitinae.
This key finding indicates that comb building is a derived trait within Termitidae and that the creation of a comb-like ‘‘external rumen’’ involving bacteria or fungi may not have driven the loss of protozoa from ancestral termitids, as previously hypothesized.
Instead, associations with gut prokaryotic symbionts, combined with dietary shifts from wood to other plant-based substrates, may have played a more important role in this symbiotic transition. Our phylogenetic tree provides a platform for future studies of comparative termite evolution and the evolution of symbiosis in this taxon.
A Genetic Toolbox for Exploring the Life Style of the Rock-inhabiting Black Fungus Knufia petricola
(2019)
After their discovery on rock surfaces in cold and hot deserts, a polyphyletic group of ascomycetous black fungi was found to dominate a range of hostile environments – natural and man-made, from salterns to dishwashers, roofs and solar panels. Together with bacteria and algae they may establish sub-aerial biofilms and cause weathering of the surfaces they grow on. Their impressive survival abilities as well as their constitutive protective pigmentation and cluster-like microcolony organisation are similar in environmental isolates as well as in heat-tolerant opportunistic pathogens of animals and humans. The exact genetic properties that ensure their survival in extreme environments can be studied if some black fungi were amenable to genetic manipulations. We selected the rock-inhabiting fungus Knufia petricola (class Eurotiomycetes, order Chaetothyriales) that grows moderately in axenic culture and exhibits all the characteristics of black yeasts such as yeast-like cell growth, absence of reproductive structures and constitutive dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanogenesis. For this environmental strain we developed protocols to efficiently generate and transform protoplasts resulting in stable homokaryotic transformants by targeting genes involved in pigment synthesis and expressing fluorescent reporter genes. Hence, endogenous and foreign genes can be expressed from episomal AMA1-containing plasmids and genome-integrated DNA constructs. Moderate rates of homologous recombination allow for both ectopic and targeted integrations. CRISPR-Cas9 was further validated as a strategy for obtaining selection marker-free mutants and silencing via RNA interference as an approach to study essential genes. Availability of this genetic toolbox and an annotated genome sequence is paving the way for studying interactions of K. petricola and other black yeasts with environmental stressors, material surfaces, soil matrices and phototrophic symbionts.
Black microcolonial fungi (MCF) are persistent inhabitants of rock surfaces in hostile desert environments. In these niches, MCF have evolved mineral-weathering and symbiotic capabilities as well as mechanisms to cope with multiple stresses such as solar irradiation, temperature extremes and low water activity. Due to their stress tolerance these ascomycetes are prominent in modern terrestrial ecosystems – like man-made material surfaces from roof to solar panels. MCF interactive capabilities support their facultative symbiotic relationships with cyanobacteria and ensure their rock-weathering geochemical activity.
Using the rock-inhabiting fungus K. petricola A95 (Chaetothyriales), we developed transformation protocols and deleted genes responsible for production of the protective pigments melanins and carotenoids. To confirm that the mutant phenotypes were not due to hidden mutations, melanin synthesis was restored by complementing the mutants with the respective wild type genes. Strains of K. petricola carrying gene variants for fluorescent proteins EGFP and DsRed are available. We successfully labelled the cytoplasm, nuclei, peroxisomes and mitochondria. Targeted and ectopic integrations result in stable transformants suitable for further phenotypical characterization. As K. petricola is a non-pathogenic fungus with all characteristic features of MCF, including meristematic growth, melanized cell-walls, extracellular polymeric substances and extensive pigment production, our results will shed light on protective role of pigments during cell wall maturation and oxidative stress defence in rock-inhabiting MCF. Genes involved in environmental sensing or substrate and phototroph interactions are currently targeted. With the help of a mutant collection and fluorescently labelled K. petricola we will be able to investigate interactions of MCF with environmental stressors, mineral substrates, soil matrices and phototrophic symbionts.
Black yeasts form a polyphyletic group of Ascomycota that colonize bare surfaces like rocks, facades of buildings, and solar panels. Their protective adaptations enable an adequate response to fluctuating and diverse temperature, water and UV radiation stresses. Together with bacteria and algae they form sub-aerial biofilms (SAB) this way discoloring and weathering the surfaces they grow on. Strain A95 of Knufia petricola (Eurotiomycetes, Chaetothyriales) displays both typical yeast-like cell growth and constitutive dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanogenesis. Along with the cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme as photobiont, it is already used in a model system for studying SAB formation and bio-weathering. Applying the recently developed tools for the generation of deletion mutants will allow to define gene functions and to identify genes critical for abiotic and biotic interactions. We present a chromosome-level genome assembly and annotation for K. petricola A95. The genome was assembled with MaSuRCA using a hybrid assembly approach of Illumina MiSeq and PacBio SMRT sequencing data. The resulting assembly consists of 17 contigs including the complete mitochondrial genome and five complete chromosomes. It shows indication of repeat-induced point mutations (RIP). Supported by RNA sequencing data from eight different growth conditions, 10,994 genes were predicted with the BRAKER2 pipeline. Functional annotation of genes was obtained from general functional annotation databases and the fungal specific database FungiPath. Comparative analyses are in progress to identify genes specific to black yeasts, that may facilitate the survival on exposed surfaces. In sum, the genome sequence of K. petricola is a valuable resource to gain insight into the protein inventory and functional pathways of extremotolerant and symbiosis-capable fungi.
Fungi that share light-flooded habitats with phototrophs may profit from excess photosynthetic products. But to cope with sunlight-associated stresses it is important for fungi to accurately sense and respond to changes in light. To test the hypothesis that light is an environmental cue that Ascomycota use to coordinate growth, stress responses as well as to establish pathogenic or symbiotic relationships, the photoreceptor (PR) distribution in species from different ecological niches was analysed. The genomes of black fungi from phyllosphere and exposed solid surfaces contain multiple photoreceptors (PRs). The filamentous foliar plant pathogen Botrytis cinerea (Leotiomycetes) has a highly sophisticated photosensory and signalling system that helps to avoid light and to locate susceptible hosts. Rock-inhabiting Dothideo- and Eurotiomycetes including Knufia petricola possess equal numbers of PRs along with the same set of protective pigments. This similarity between black fungi from plant and rock surfaces suggests that photoperception and photoregulation are important for fungi that avoid loss of energy and nutrients through cooperation with phototrophs.
Wild bees are important pollinators for agricultural crops and solitary species such as Osmia bicornis are particularly suitable for pollination management. Wild bees share floral resources with managed honey bees and may be exposed to emerging infectious diseases. Although studies have explored the prevalence of pathogens in solitary wild bee species, data regarding the impact of pathogens on solitary bee health are lacking.
We carried out experiments examining whether the solitary bee species O. bicornis is susceptible to infection with the emerging pathogen The results obtained indicate that N. ceranae may be able to infect O. bicornis but its impact on host fitness is negligible: survival rates did not differ between Control and inoculated bees, although male survival was marginally lower after infection. To explore the possible field-relevance of our findings, we collected wild bees near an infected and a non-infected hive and showed that N. ceranae was shared between managed and wild bees, although only the in presence of infected honey bees.
The findings of the present study show that O. bicornis is susceptible to pathogen spillover and could act as a potential reservoir host for N. ceranae in pollinator networks. Additional studies on this species incorporating sublethal effects, multiple infections and other interacting stressors are warranted.
Wild bees are important pollinators of wild plants and agricultural crops and they are threatened by several environmental stressors including emerging pathogens. Honey bees have been suggested as a potential source of pathogen spillover. One prevalent pathogen that has recently emerged as a honey bee disease is the microsporidian Nosema ceranae. While the impacts of N. ceranae in honey bees are well documented, virtually nothing is known about its effects in solitary wild bees.
The solitary mason bee Osmia bicornis is a common pollinator in orchards and amenable to Commercial management. Here, we experimentally exposed larvae of O. bicornis to food contaminated with N. ceranae and document spore presence during larval development. We measured mortality, growth parameters, and timing of pupation in a semi-field experiment. Hatched individuals were assessed for physiological state including fat body mass, wing muscle mass, and body size. We recorded higher mortality in the viable-spore-exposed group but could only detect a low number of Spores among the individuals of this treatment. Viable-spore-treated individuals with higher head capsule width had a delayed pupation start. No impact on the physiological status could be detected in hatched imagines. Although we did not find overt evidence of O. bicornis infection, our findings indicate that exposure of larvae to viable N. ceranae spores could affect bee development.
OECD test guideline on particle size and size distribution: Comparability of measurement results
(2019)
OECD-Prüfrichtlinien werden weltweit für regulatorische Zwecke angewandt, da sie eine harmonisierte und über internationale Ringversuche validierte Vorschrift zur Analyse vorgeben. Die bestehende Prüfrichtlinie TG 110 zur Größencharakterisierung von Partikeln und Fasern ist für viele Methoden und Materialklassen nicht geeignet, weswegen es Bedarf an einer Neuentwicklung gibt. Im Fokus der neuen TG steht die reproduzierbare und vergleichbare Anwendung von Methoden zur Bestimmung von Partikelgröße sowie Größenverteilung annährend sphärischer und faserförmiger Nanomaterialien im Bereich 1-1000 nm. Berücksichtigt werden die häufig angewandten Methoden zur Größencharakterisierung mit ihren unterschiedlichen physikalisch-technischen Limitierungen und die Bestimmung unterschiedlicher Durchmesser (hydrodynamischer, Feret…). Weiterhin sind materialspezifische Einflüsse durch die Partikel sowie das Messmedium zu berücksichtigen. Jede der Methoden soll unter Berücksichtigung von ISO-Standards und den materialspezifischen Limitierungen in der neuen Prüfrichtlinie beschrieben und über einen Ringversuch validiert werden.
The environmental compatibility of reactive fire-retardant coatings (intumescent paints) was investigated by a combination of leaching and ecotoxicological tests. Three representative fire-retardant coating systems were tested using two leaching procedures: “Horizontal Dynamic Surface Leaching Test” (DSLT) and the “Intermittent Immersion Test” (IIT). All eluate fractions (8 for DSLT and 9 for IIT) were analyzed for pH, conductivity, concentration of total organic carbon and selected anions und cations. Additionally, a GC-MS screening of selected fractions was conducted for identification of organic compounds. Eluate fractions 1 + 2 and fraction 7 of the DSLT were analyzed in four ecotoxicological tests (algae, daphnia, fish egg, luminescent bacteria) and in one genotoxicity test (umu). Concentration of most analytes was rather low or below limit of detection for many eluates. Analytes detected in eluates of all three products are Zn, Ba, SO4(2−) and PO4(3−). Release patterns do not indicate a general trend: some compounds show maximum release in the first fractions while for others the maximum was observed in later test stages. Ecotoxic effects in eluates were found, which were higher in the eluate fraction 7 (maximum lowest ineffective dilution for luminescent bacteria (LIDL) 256) than in the eluate fraction 1 + 2 (maximum LIDL = 24). The sensitivity of the test systems was very different with highest effects for luminescent bacteria, followed by algae and daphnia and without effects in the fish egg test and umu test. A biotest battery for the comprehensive assessment is therefore advisable.
Flow-back and produced waters from shale gas and shale oil fields contain high ammonium, which can be formed by methanogenic degradation of methylamines into methane and ammonium. Methylamines are added to fracturing fluid to prevent clay swelling or can originate from metabolism of the osmolyte triglycinebetaine (GB).
We analyzed field samples from a shale gas reservoir in the Duvernay Formation and from a shale oil reservoir in the Bakken formation in Canada to determine the origin of high ammonium. Fresh waters used to make fracturing fluid, early flow-back waters, and late flow back waters from the shale gas reservoir had increasing salinity of 0.01, 0.58, and 2.66 Meq of NaCl, respectively. Microbial community analyses reflected this fresh water to saline transition with halophilic taxa including Halomonas, Halanaerobium, and Methanohalophilus being increasingly present. Early and late flow-back waters had high ammonium concentrations of 32 and 15 mM, respectively.
Such high concentrations had also been found in the Bakken produced waters.
Enrichment cultures of Bakken produced waters in medium containing mono, di-, or trimethylamine, or triglycinebetaine (GB) converted these substrates into ammonium (up to 20 mM) and methane. The methylotrophic methanogen Methanohalophilus, which uses methylamines for its energy metabolism and uses GB as an osmolyte, was a dominant community member in these enrichments. Halanaerobium was also a dominant community member that metabolizes GB into trimethylamine, which is then metabolized further by Methanohalophilus. However, the micromolar concentrations of GB measured in shale reservoirs make them an unlikely source for the 1,000-fold higher ammonium concentrations in flow-back waters. This ammonium either originates directly from the reservoir or is formed from methylamines, which originate from the reservoir, or are added during the hydraulic fracturing process. These methylamines are then converted into ammonium and methane by halophilic methylotrophic methanogens, such as Methanohalophilus, present in flow-back waters.
The presented Humboldt Codices are from the early colonial period of Mexico and originate from different localities
1. typical indigen colors and mixtures:
cochineal (red), indigo (blue and green), carbon (black),
mangle, zacatlaxcalli, organic (brown, yellow)- critical!
2. colonial influence:
iron gall ink for writing
3. single fragments belong together:
are cut (fragments IX-XII),
from Mizquahuala distributed (VII, XIII, XIV, [XV]) (VII, XIII in Mexico, XIV in Paris)
Since the early 19th century microorganisms were studied on their capabilities of causing microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of metals. The most studied ones are sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), but others can corrode metals as well, e.g. acid-producing bacteria or methanogenic archaea (MA). However, these studies were mostly focused on metals related to the petroleum industry but metals for other industries, e.g. dentistry, are also susceptible to corrosion. The inert Titanium (Ti) is often used as an implant material, but it is a base metal. The formation of a passivating oxide layer allows Ti to be corrosion resistant at normal conditions.
Nonetheless, scanning electron microscope images on dental implants from patients with acute peri-implantitis showed clear signs of corrosion. Currently, the corrosion mechanism of dental implants is unknown, but many indications suggest that oral microorganisms, including MA (Methanobrevibacter oralis) and SRB (Desulfomicrobium orale), could be involved.
To determine if MA or SRB can corrode Ti (pure Ti or Ti-6Al-4V alloy), corrosion rate, methane and sulfide concentrations were analyzed. Electrical potential measurements using in-house developed electrochemical cells indicated a potential change on Ti in the presence of a corrosive MA strain compared to an abiotic control.
Microbial composition comparison will be analyzed using samples from dental pockets of 150 infected patients by considering the quality of the implant and 50 healthy people by means of amplicon sequencing. Enrichments and isolation of pure cultures from the dentals samples are also examined for their corrosion behavior. Overall, this is the first study investigating the susceptibility of dental implant material to corrosion using human related MA.
The European building sector is moving towards more complex and high-tech building approaches. While focusing on energy efficiency, aspects e.g. occupant health, sustainability and life cycle costing are often neglected. This study highlights the potential of earthen plasters in combination with natural ventilation for low-tech solutions.
The EU funded project [H]house established the outstanding performance of earthen materials in light of hygrothermal and air purifying properties, which were further supported by experimental data from monitoring of naturally ventilated pilot buildings in Berlin. Additionally, [H]house demonstrated through LCC an increased cost efficiency of earth based low-tech solutions in comparison to conventional constructions relying on mechanical ventilation.
Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of iron is usually attributed to sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRM) in offshore industries, such as the oil and gas pipelines, due to the high concentrations of sulfate in the seawater. SRM act upon the metal by the reactiveness of hydrogen sulfide (HS-), and by withdrawal of the available electrons (Fe --> Fe2+ + 2e-; E° = -0.47 V) in electrical contact with the metal (EMIC). However, methanogenic archaea can also cause MIC. Because they do not produce HS-, withdrawal of electrons may be their main corrosive mechanism; however, mechanistic details and kinetics of the overall process are poorly understood.
To investigate the corrosion potential of methanogens, we studied the EMIC methanogenic strains isolated from marine sediments (Methanobacterium-affiliated strain IM1) and crude oil tanks (Methanococcus maripaludis Mic1c10), in an in-house developed flow-through cell to simulate a fluctuating environment. A co-culture of M. maripaludis and D. alaskensis was also established to study the effect of syntrophic growth on metal corrosion that may occur in industrial pipelines. Results indicate that the rates of iron corrosion due to coupled methanogenesis (up to 0.4 mm/yr) are higher to that caused by the marine SRM Desulfovibrio alaskensis (0.15 mm/yr). Surface analyses of the metal showed severe pitting with high methane production. Genomic analysis of the EMIC methanogen M. maripaludis Mic1c10 will provide an insight on the mechanisms of MIC. Such knowledge and deeper understanding also from an electrokinetic point of view may not only provide further models in microbial electrophysiology, but also contribute to mitigation strategies in MIC.
Leaching processes are responsible for the release of biocides from treated materials into the environment.
Adequate modeling of emission processes is required in order to predict emission values in the framework of the risk assessment of biocidal products intended for long-term service life. Regression approaches have been applied to data obtained from the long-term monitoring of biocide emissions in experiments involving semi-field conditions. Due to the complex interaction of different underlying mechanisms such as water and biocide diffusion and desorption, however, these attempts have proven to be of limited usefulness e at least, for the available biocide emission data. It seems that the behavior of the biocide emission curve depends to a considerable extent on whichever underlying mechanism is slowest at a given point in time, thus limiting the amount of biocide available for release. Building on results obtained in the past few years, the authors propose a criterion for determining which mechanism controls the leaching process at a given point in time based on the slope of the log-log emission curve. In addition, a first-order approximation of this slope value is presented which displays advantages both in terms of computability and interpretability. Finally, an algorithm for the determination of breakpoints in the slope of the log-log emission curve is presented for the demarcation of phases within which one mechanism acts as a limiting factor.
Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of iron is usually attributed to sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRM) in offshore industries, such as the oil and gas pipelines, due to the high concentrations of sulfate in the seawater. SRM act upon the metal by the reactiveness of hydrogen sulfide (HS-), and by withdrawal of the available electrons (Fe --> Fe2+ + 2e-; E° = -0.47 V) in electrical contact with the metal (EMIC). However, methanogenic archaea can also cause MIC. Because they do not produce HS-, withdrawal of electrons may be their main corrosive mechanism; however, mechanistic details and kinetics of the overall process are poorly understood.
To investigate the corrosion potential of methanogens, we studied the EMIC methanogenic strains isolated from marine sediments (Methanobacterium-affiliated strain IM1) and crude oil tanks (Methanococcus maripaludis Mic1c10), in an in-house developed flow-through cell to simulate a fluctuating environment. A co-culture of M. maripaludis and D. alaskensis was also established to study the effect of syntrophic growth on metal corrosion that may occur in industrial pipelines. Results indicate that the rates of iron corrosion due to coupled methanogenesis (up to 0.4 mm/yr) are higher to that caused by the marine SRM Desulfovibrio alaskensis (0.15 mm/yr). Surface analyses of the metal showed severe pitting with high methane production. Genomic analysis of the EMIC methanogen M. maripaludis Mic1c10 will provide an insight on the mechanisms of MIC. Such knowledge and deeper understanding also from an electrokinetic point of view may not only provide further models in microbial electrophysiology, but also contribute to mitigation strategies in MIC.zeige weniger
Microbiologically induced corrosion due to bacterial biofilms causes several problems in industrial systems, technical applications and in medicine. Prior to the formation of a biofilm on a substrate, planktonic cells attach on the surface. Hence, the properties of the surface play a key role in biofilm formation and are of great importance for the development of strategies to prevent bacterial attachment and biofilm formation.
This project aims at clarifying to which extent surface micro-/nanostructuring and chemical functionalization affects bacterial attachment and whether a synergistic combination of the two can be used to control bacterial adhesion. To answer these questions, model surfaces with regular patterns of 5-10 micrometers in size have been prepared, which provide distinct zones differing in terms of their chemistry or nano-roughness. This was achieved by micro contact printing of self-assembled monolayers with different functional groups and deposition of patterned ZnO nanorod arrays for studying the effect of surface chemistry and morphology, respectively. Typical contrasts studied were combinations of positively/negatively charged, hydrophobic/hydrophilic or flat/rough.
The attachment behavior of bacteria on tailored surfaces were studied in a flow chamber as a function of time. The strain Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 was chosen as a model organism. DNA-intercalating dyes such as Syto9 have a high affinity to adsorb on ZnO nanorods. To overcome this limitation a genetic modification was performed by introducing a gene which expresses a green fluorescent protein in P. fluorescens SBW25 enabling the quantitative evaluation of the flow chamber studies by means of fluorescence microscopy. Further analysis of the attachment behavior was performed by means of scanning electron microscopy.
The presentation will summarize the results of our systematic study on the role of individual parameters on bacterial attachment and highlight synergistic combinations, showing an inhibition or enhancing effect. As the investigations with model substrates enable a precise control of the surface parameters, this approach can be applied to different microorganisms and material systems to achieve a correlative description of bacterial adhesion on solid surfaces.
Waste, Evaluation Methods
(2019)
It is difficult to decide which waste management system fulfills best predefined sustainability goals such as maximum materials and energy recovery, least environmental impact, and lowest societal cost. Such decisions are based on many parameters. However, several evaluation methods exist with different scope and output, and the application of one or more evaluation methods provides an objective comparison of alternatives.
Measurements of aerosol particles are vital for enforcing EU air quality regulations to protect human health, and for research on climate change effects. Although metrics such as PM10 and PM2.5 are currently in use, the level of uncertainty of aerosol metrics is too high and the traceability is insufficient. The project AEROMET, which has been started in June 2017 aims at implementing improvements in a) the uncertainty of particle mass, size and number concentration measurements and b) in the characterization of regulated components in airborne particles. Both are demanded by existing networks within the EU as well as by global atmospheric research.
On-site measurement campaigns
One of the objects is the application of mobile x-ray spectroscopy techniques combined with aerosol sampling techniques for quantifying particle compositions in the field for real time analysis. During two in-field measurement campaigns in Budapest, Hungary in May 2018 and Cassino, Italy in September 2018 the size dependent mass concentrations of specific elements in ambient aerosols were monitored under dynamic conditions.
Typically, airborne particles are sampled on filter substrates. During this project new sampling methods with specially designed substrate holders for an in-situ TXRF analysis were developed and applied for the first time. This approach allows a direct time and size resolved analysis without laborious digestion steps and a reduced risk of contamination.
Aerosol particles were sampled in a 13-stage DLPI impactor - size range from 0,03 µm to 10 µm - which was equipped with special adapters for acrylic discs of 30 mm diameter, serving as substrates. TXRF analysis was performed on site with the transportable spectrometer S2 PICOFOX (Bruker Nano GmbH) equipped with a Mo X-ray tube and a 30 mm² Silicon Drift Detector (SDD). Excitation conditions were 50 kV, 600 µA, measurement time 1000 s. Quantification was based on internal standardization using 50 ng of Y in solution, which was pipetted into the centre of the discs prior to sampling.
At moderate air pollution levels, i.e. PM10 ~ 20 µg/m³, sampling times of less than 2 hours were enough for the detection of elements in different particle size bins. The in-situ approach and the high sensitivity of TXRF enables the observation of rather quick changes in the quantity and distribution of elements in an ambient aerosol on the day of sampling, as the below example from the Cassino field campaign on 11 Sept. 2018 shows: The analysis of the morning and afternoon sampling shifts reveals the occurrence of the elements Fe, Ca and Si in different size bins as well as their significant temporal change in respective mass concentrations over the day while the distributions of several other elements in the aerosol remain unchanged.
The validation of these results by backup measurements is planned.
Traceable and reliable chemical element analysis of aerosols by X-ray spectrometry was investigated using aerosol samples from field campaigns which have been measured in the GIXRF-beamline at BESSY.
The reference-free XRF approach allows for a traceable analysis of the mass deposition.
Traceable quantification by means of XRF can be transfered to benchtop instrumentation used in the laboratory Chemical and dimensional analysis of deposited aerosol allows for a comprehensive analysis of aerosols, e.g. for toxicity assessment and determination of the source The folowing elements could be identified and quantified in the field samples: Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, W, Pb.
Simple particulate matter sensors are gaining popularity due to their low price, easy handling and good temporal resolution. In this presentation, we report on the performance of a Sharp optical PM sensor GP2Y1010AU0F, which costs less than 15 €.
The sensor is built around an infrared emitting diode (ILED) and a phototransistor detecting the light scattered from the aerosol particle. An electronic circuit shapes the detected light in a pulsed signal. The manufacturer advises sampling the output signal 280 microseconds after the ILED pulse. The measured output voltage is an indicator of dust concentration.
We have built two identical simple PM monitoring devices using Raspberry Pi 3 computer interfacing the PM sensor with Microchip’s MCP3002 ADC via SPI. The ADC is capable of more than 100 ksamples/s at 10-bit resolution. The Rpi3 was pulsing the sensor at 10Hz, digitizing and saving the data and sending the results wirelessly.
Sensor’s output pulse shape was sampled with 10 microsecond time steps and saved, thus making offline analysis possible. A time jitter of output pulses can be observed and suggests a peak fitting as a better approach to the signal readout compared to the single sampling at a fixed time after pulse triggering We compared both methods.
A mobile Bruker S2 Picofox TXRF spectrometer has been used in two field campaigns within the EMPIR env07 AEROMET project for the on-site analysis of cascade impactor aerosol samples.The results show that even at moderate air pollution levels – i.e.PM10 fairly below 20 μg/m³ - element mass concentrations in air in the range of 100 pg/m³could be measured in up to 13 size bins after sampling times of less than only 0.5 days.
In arid sun-exposed environments, rock-inhabiting fungi dominate microbial communities on rock surfaces. Fungi are known to enhance rock weathering, although the exact mechanisms are not completely understood. These natural processes can be simulated by reproducible experimental systems. Particularly attractive are genetically amenable rock-weathering fungi, where certain traits can be knocked-out to identify weathering-relevant functions. Here, we studied the effect of the rock-inhabiting fungus Knufia petricola A95 and its melanin-deficient mutant (ΔKppks) on the weathering of a Fe-bearing olivine. We examined the olivine dissolution kinetics and looked at the olivine-fungus interface. For the former we inoculated olivine powder with the fungus in batch and mixed flow reactors and analysed the medium solution by ICP-OES, for the latter biofilm-covered olivine sections from flow-through reactors were analysed by FIB-TEM.
In general olivine dissolution was lower when olivine was incubated without fungi: the abiotic olivine dissolution rates were lowest and the surface of the abiotically reacted olivine sections showed no etching. Various chemical analyses show Fe (oxyhydr)oxide precipitation on top of the abiotically reacted olivine, indicating its role in inhibiting olivine dissolution. Both the wild type (WT) and ΔKppks solubilised and bound significant amounts of Fe released by olivine dissolution. Fe (oxyhydr)oxide precipitation was thus reduced, explaining the enhanced olivine dissolution in their presence. Particularly efficient at preventing Fe precipitation were attached WT cells: the inhibition of olivine dissolution almost completely disappeared. The attachment capacity of the WT is most likely caused by the production of WT-specific extracellular polymeric substances. Our presented experimental systems allowed the precipitation of Fe (oxyhydr)oxides and included a rock-inhabiting fungus and thus simulated weathering processes relevant to natural ecosystems.
Without precaution, insects may cause serious damage to museum collections. Quarantine of potentially infested objects can be logistically challenging. Anoxia under controlled Nitrogen atmosphere is a most gentle but also time-consuming method to eradicate insect pests in all kinds of different materials. Treatment results are usually affected by duration, temperature, humidity and residual oxygen content. During a two-year research project, 34 relevant pest insect species of all developmental stages were tested in different materials (wood, paper, wool) to monitor treatment success and to determine optimum treatment parameters. Duration of treatment ranged from one to three weeks at temperatures of 20–27 °C. As expected, results showed significant differences in mortality among tested species. Highest tolerance of hypoxic conditions was found in elder larvae of Hylotrupes bajulus. Although this species is an unlikely museum pest, it may serve as an overall most tolerant reference. Anobiids and other wood boring beetles are more often an issue related to cultural heritage. A combination of three weeks exposure time at maximum 0.5% residual oxygen and 24 °C, alternatively 1%
residual oxygen and 27 °C are recommended for infested artefacts. Imbedding materials in general had no influence on mortality. This study was funded by Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU).
Microorganisms perform multiple metabolic functions that shape the global cycling of elements, health and disease of their host organisms, and biotechnological processes. The rates, at which different metabolic activities are performed by individual cells, can vary between genetically identical cells within clonal populations. While the molecular mechanisms that result in such metabolic heterogeneity have attracted considerable interest, the environmental conditions that shape heterogeneity and its consequences have received attention only in recent years. Here, we review the environmental drivers that lead to metabolic heterogeneity with a focus on nutrient limitation, temporal fluctuations and spatial structure, and the functional consequences of such heterogeneity. We highlight studies using single-cell methods that allow direct investigation of metabolic heterogeneity and discuss the relevance of metabolic heterogeneity in complex microbial communities.
In the modern world there is an increased understanding that design and performance monitoring of materials have to be tested in connection to chemical, physical and (micro)biological challenges. A systematic study on how biofilms interact with materials and what could be done to engineer biofilms and/or materials in order to maximize the resistance of the material (surface) or the resistance the biofilm-modified material (bulk) is in strong need. In the Department “Materials and the Environment” of the BAM new experimental platform is being developed. With the help of different type of device for high throughput and microbiologically-controlled environment simulation we establish a new approach to clarify the mechanisms of biofilm/material interactions. Despite the focus on fundamental research, the main results of this project proposal will be transferable into material technology and construction chemistry and will influence the development of standardization in this topic. As the interactions of biofilms and materials have implications for most constructions as well as climate change, the results of the research generates additional value.
A similar secretome disturbance as a hallmark of non-pathogenic Botrytis cinerea ATMT-mutants?
(2019)
The gray mold fungus Botrytis cinerea is a necrotrophic pathogen able to infect
hundreds of host plants, including high-value crops such as grapevine, strawberry and tomato. In order to decipher its infectious strategy, a library of 2,144 mutants was generated by random insertional mutagenesis using Agrobacterium tumefaciensmediated transformation (ATMT). Twelve mutants exhibiting total loss of virulence toward different host plants were chosen for detailed analyses. Their molecular characterization revealed a single T-DNA insertion in different loci. Using a proteomics approach, the secretome of four of these strains was compared to that of the parental strain and a common profile of reduced lytic enzymes was recorded. Significant variations in this profile, notably deficiencies in the secretion of proteases and hemicellulases, were observed and validated by biochemical tests. They were also a hallmark of the remaining eight non-pathogenic strains, suggesting the importance of these secreted Proteins in the infection process. In the twelve non-pathogenic mutants, the Differentiation of infection cushions was also impaired, suggesting a link between the Penetration structures and the secretion of proteins involved in the virulence of the pathogen.
Paragraphs 6 to 8 of the proposed amendment to the German Federal Soil Protection and Contaminated Sites Ordinance contain new requirements regarding the application of soil-like material outside of a rootable soil layer. For example, it is intended to enable reusing of soil-like materials containing regulated substances in concentrations between the single and double precautionary values (PV), provided that the limit values for the eluate are complied with. The aim of a running project (funding code UFOPLAN 3716 74 203 0, German Federal Environmental Agency) is to fill data deficits for soil-like materials which meet the above-mentioned criteria to promote circular economy and conservation of natural resources. Different soil-like materials of various origin (for example dredged material, banquet peeling material, urban and meadow soils) are considered with a special focus on PAHs. A major challenge in sample acquisition is the relatively narrow target range of the PAH content between 3 and 6 mg/kg dm considering a high measurement uncertainty at this concentration level.
The contents of PAHs, heavy metals and other inorganic elements in solid matter are determined following established standards. In addition, the soil-like materials are characterized concerning particle size, pH, conductivity, SOM, TOC and carbonate content. To determine the eluate concentration, column tests according to DIN 19528 and batch tests according to DIN 19529 at a liquid/solid ratio (L/S) of 2 l/kg and 10 l/kg are performed comparatively.
The results show that the new requirements of the planned amendment to the Federal Soil Protection and Contaminated Sites Ordinance certainly opens additional possibilities for reuse of soil-like materials. Even most soil-like materials within 2-3 x PV comply with the eluate value for PAH (0.2 μg/l) both in the batch test and in the column test at L/S 2 l/kg. Selected inorganic substances lead to similar evaluations. Therefore, the application of such soil-like materials outside of rootable soil layers would be possible. Previously, those materials were often used for landfill construction. In the future, a utilization in the adjacent environment by backfilling, recultivation, renaturation, composting or landscaping would be conceivable.
Interface between the atmosphere and mineral substrates is the oldest terrestrial habitat. Morphologically simple microbial biofilms were the first settlers on these inhospitable surfaces at times when the Earth was inhabited only by microorganisms and the solid substrates represented only by natural rock surfaces i.e. lithosphere. Miniature, self-sufficient microbial ecosystems continue to develop on subaerial (i.e. air-exposed) solid surfaces at all altitudes and latitudes where direct contact with the atmosphere and solar radiation occurs – on rocks, mountains, buildings, monuments, solar panels. All these sub-aerial biofilms develop under fluctuating and hostile conditions – and thus frequently harbour stress-tolerant black fungi inherently able to cope with the stresses of bright sunlight and constantly changing atmospheric conditions. Black fungi – a polyphyletic group of Ascomycetes– accumulate the dark pigment DHN melanin, diverse carotenoids and mycosporines in their cells and thus successfully colonise sunlight-flooded habitats from phyllosphere to rock surfaces. Various chemical and physical extremes and fluctuating environments belong to the challenges effectively mastered by black fungi. In our laboratory we isolate novel black fungi from man-made habitats like building materials and solar panels. Using Knufia petricola A95 as a model we conduct experiments to clarify interactions of black fungi with inorganic substrates. We use available mutants to determine the functional consequences of changes in the outer cell wall envelopes – from excreted EPS to layers of protective pigments. A genetic toolbox to manipulate this Chaetothyriales representative is in further development. Our long-term goal is to understand the fundamental mechanisms how black fungi are able (i) to adhere to dry atmosphere-exposed surfaces, (ii) to survive multiple stresses and (iii) to change the underlying substrates including rocks.
The Weimar research project has set the goal of placing style-critical research on Old Master drawings on a new, methodologically proven foundation. The starting point is the stock of Dutch drawings possessed by the Klassik Stiftung Weimar, whose extent (ca. 1,400 items) and character make it one of the most significant outside the Netherlands. The focus here is on drawings that were executed with red chalk. This drawing material has different functions - one of which is the use as a transmission material. The methodological approach is double: first, the scientific indexing of this stock. The foundations for this, along with classic analysis of style, are innovative material-scientific methods of investigation.
The collection Manuscripta Americana in Berlin consists of fragmented codices acquired by Alexander von Humboldt in Mexico. Some of these Humboldt Codices are published as hieroglyphic writings of the Aztecs in “Vues des Cordilleres et Monuments des Peuples indigènes de l’Amerique”. Starting from a special compilation of seven fragments on plate 36 in the “Atlas”, we investigated the corresponding original fragments using material analysis in order to clarify their historical relations. The analyses were carried out with X-ray fluorescence analysis, VIS spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy in diffuse reflection and revealed typical indigenous colors like cochineal, indigo, and organic yellows (e.g. mangrove and zacatlaxcalli). Four fragments under investigation show exactly the same material and thus must once have belonged together in one compendium. An additional manuscript from Mizquiahuala also shown on plate 36 can be matched to another one that is not published in the “Atlas”.
Environmental sustainability and –stability of materials concerning the migration of pollutants
(2019)
In addition to previously reported results on the accelerated weathering of polystyrene samples (PS) containing 1 wt. % hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), we present the first results of our investigations of polypropylene samples (PP) containing 0.1 wt. % BDE-209. All studied polymer samples were exposed to a defined weathering schedule in a climate chamber in accordance to regulation EN ISO 4892-3:2006. For the determination of BDE-209 in the collected raining water the samples were prepared in accordance to a validated protocol. Before the analyses each sample was spiked with isotopically labeled BDE-209. Subsequently the samples were extracted with isooctane. The obtained extracts were concentrated, and the resulting solutions were analyzed by GC/MS. Additionally, the total bromine content was monitored for the weathered and untreated samples using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) as a non-destructive and rapid method. In general, the resulting data from the accelerated weathering will be compared to those from the natural weathering experiments. Here, the surfaces of the test pieces were analyzed by LA-ICP-MS and XRF as well. Moreover, soil bed tests were conducted in a well characterized model soil. This soil (boulder-clay, sand with 12 % loam, particle size in total 0.2-4 mm) is filled in a free-draining basin inside of an air-conditioned cellar. In this manner, TOC, water capacity and humidity are recorded parameters. To induce a leaching process from the samples by the raining water, the target water content is calculated to 8%. The actual humidity is measured by a tensiometer, assuring the duration of the raining period. A defined humidity is a fundamental parameter for a biological activity in the soil. The test polymers were placed up to the half in the soil. Microbial activity of the soil is monitored by a reference polymer (polyurethane) and should induce the release of HBCD and BDE-209 out of the test materials. These released analytes will be captured by passive samplers (silicone tubes) placed in a distinct distance to the polymer samples in the soil. The soil bed experiments are complementary to the weathering experiments due to the biological activity in the soil.
Biocide mitigation strategies of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) in the oil and gas industry have been primarily used to eliminate the growths of sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRM). However, methanogenic Archaea (MA) can also be highly corrosive by using iron as an electron source for methanogenesis. Because of the fundamental physiological differences between archaea and bacteria, responses of MA towards SRM-specific biocides cannot be deduced using SRM. Due to the lack of information available on the effect of biocides on corrosive MA, we selected THPS, glutaraldehyde, nitrate and perchlorate to compare against corrosive SRM.
Preliminary results showed that at low concentrations of THPS (0-10 ppm), growth of MA was not affected, methane production and corrosion rates (0.1 mm/yr) were comparable between the different THPS concentrations. On the contrary, the SRM strain showed decreased corrosion rates (0.18 mm/yr to 0.03 mm/yr) with increasing THPS concentrations. Further corrosion tests including electrochemical measurements of different biocides on the growth of MA and SRM will be conducted. Such knowledge not only provide important insights on the physiological response of MA to biocides but also contribute to more effective mitigation strategies that can be both economic and environmentally beneficial.
In this poster we will present some results of a research projects dealing with Arabic recipes of black inks. To improve conservation practices of Arabic manuscripts we have assessed the feasibility of the recipes collected from many Arabic sources on bookmaking and reproduced the most common inks. Ink samples were then artificially aged and analysed using an array of analytical techniques, mostly non-invasive, in order to build a database of Arabic inks and their ingredients and also to verify the detection limits of the portable equipment employed.
First, we will provide an overview of the sources [1-2] employed in the study – dating from 9th to 14th century, although the manuscripts in which they can be found dates up to the 20th century – with an eye on the ink typologies (real and perceived by the compilers). Then we will show how, by reproducing the recipes, it was possible to shed light on some oddities in the procedures and the choice of ingredients. In the end we will discuss problems concerning the identification of ink types and ingredients using reflectography (in Vis, IR and UV), X-Ray Fluorescence, Infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The focus will be in particular on mixed inks – both in the form of carbon inks with the addition of tannins and of a mixture of carbon and iron gall inks – which are particularly difficult to detect [3]. We will also examine the results of iron gall inks made with iron filings or nails instead of vitriol and the various precursor used to extract gallic acid that are mentioned in the sources as surrogates of gall nuts.
[1] A. Schopen, Tinten und Tuschen des arabisch-islamischen Mittelalters, Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2004
[2] S. Fani, Le arti del libro secondo le fonti arabe originali. I ricettari arabi per la fabbricazione degli inchiostri (sec. IX-XIII): loro importanza per una corretta valutazione e conservazione del patrimonio manoscritto, PhD thesis, Napoli: Università L’Orientale, 2013
[3] C. Colini et. al, Manuscript cultures, 11 (2018) 43-50
The Interdisciplinary Alchemist: Reproduction and Study of Black Inks from the Islamicate World
(2019)
The identification of the materials constituting an artefact is the basis of any correct conservation project, for this reason (among others) in the last 50 years analytical techniques have been applied to the study of manuscripts. Unfortunately, the scientific investigation of Arabic books is still uncommon, focusing mainly on single case studies, often producing unclear results, especially for black inks. This lack of knowledge prompted a recent research in which black ink recipes have been collected from written Arabic sources on bookmaking, their feasibility has been assessed, and finally some of them have been reproduced. These samples were artificially aged and analysed through an array of analytical techniques, mostly non-invasive and non-destructive, in order to build a database of Arabic inks and their ingredients and also to verify the detection limits of the portable equipment employed. In this talk I will present some instances of how this approach can help textual criticism, for example in evaluating variants and determining the competence of authors and compilers. At the same time the research highlights how much this scientific work depends on textual studies, especially concerning the identification of ingredients. Moreover, I will focus on some of the problematics I faced both during the textual interpretation and the actual reproduction of the recipes and how they influenced the results of the scientific analyses. In particular I’ll look into the role played by the degree of purity of the components and the function (real and perceived) of some of the ingredients.
The story of how black fungi survive harsh conditions on sun-exposed desert rocks and material surfaces is fascinating. In the presentation examples of how knowledge of these organisms can be of practical value (e.g., in biodeterioration studies, such as on stone markers in cemeteries) would be given. Among other stories, the example of how roof tiles amended with a titanium oxide layers as a biocide actually selected for the black fungi will be told. A hypothesis about how these organisms would likely be found on solar panels and some early BAM work in that area will be presented. This then brings the connection to a study ripe for investigation in North Carolina. The talk presents the development of a study aiming at deciphering the influence of microbial biofilm formation on the energy conversion efficiency of solar photovoltaic panels or modules at two facilities (one facility under the impact of high intensity of animal agriculture and high deposition of ammonia from atmosphere and the other with low animal agriculture and lower atmospheric ammonia deposition) in North Carolina. The main hypothesis of the study is that microbial biofilm formation on solar photovoltaic panels will lead to significant decreases in energy conversion efficiency of solar photovoltaic modules and biofilm formation will also be accelerated by high ammonia concentration in the ambient atmosphere and high nitrogen deposition.
In the 15th century, Persian manuscripts underwent significant and lasting changes. Possibly as a response to the import of tinted and gold-decorated paper from China, which was used for manuscript production in Greater Iran, Persian papers were also tinted and embellished with gold-decorated and marbled margins or frames. In a joint project between CSMC and the University of St Andrews, we aim to analyse papers and their decorations in Persian The analyses aim to determine the consistencies of papers, pigments and metals and the techniques used for their production and application. The support will be first described in its codicological characteristics such as dimensions, thickness, colour (expressed in colour coordinates), pattern left from the sieve (observed in transmitted light). The plant used as raw material in paper production will be studied by fibres analysis, while the sizing agents, the pigments, dyes and metals will be analysed by the application of several methods: in particular Reflectography, X-Ray Fluorescence and InfraRed, Raman and Visible Reflectance Spectroscopy. The results of the analyses will form an important resource for the material aspects of Persian manuscripts and be a starting point for establishing a first chronology of the materials and techniques used in Persian manuscript production. An example of the application of the techniques on the analysis of a fragment from a 15th c. Persian Manuscript will be provided.
Papyrus was in use in the Islamic world until the 11th century and few ink recipes collected from treatises about the art of the books are dedicated to this support. But papyrus was also burnt in order to obtain soot used as an ingredient for a particular type of ink (midād al-qarāṭīs). In this talk I will give an overview of the recipes – in particular those by ar-Rāzī –, their context and transmission in order to evaluate this double nature of papyrus, which is considered at the same time a writing support and a material to be recycled. Moreover, I will discuss what kinds of ink are most likely to be found, according to these literary sources, on Arabic manuscripts and documents written on papyrus and compare them to the typologies mentioned for paper and parchment. These results are the premises of a research project starting at the beginning of 2019, in which a number of dated fragments from several European institutions will be analysed with non-destructive techniques in order to establish a profile of the main writing media used in the early centuries of the Islamic Era.
Fifty shades of black: Typologies and terminology of black inks in the light of new discoveries
(2019)
The identification of the materials constituting an artefact is the basis of any correct conservation project. For this reason (among others) in the last 50 years analytical techniques have been applied to the study of manuscripts. Unfortunately, the scientific investigation of Arabic books is still uncommon, focusing mainly on single case studies of illuminated manuscripts where the black media used to write the text is largely overlooked. This lack of knowledge prompted a recent research in which black ink recipes have been collected from written Arabic sources, their feasibility has been assessed, and some of them have been reproduced. These samples were artificially aged and analysed through an array of analytical techniques, mostly non-invasive and non-destructive, in order to build a database of Arabic inks and their ingredients and to verify the detection limits of the equipment employed. Finally, the results were compared to the data collected from historical manuscripts.
In this talk I will focus on the ink typologies and the terminology (ancient and modern) used to describe them. In particular I will highlight how even the modern classification fails to capture the variety encountered in both recipes and manuscripts, particularly in the light of recent discoveries. I will address especially the terminological and conceptual issues of mixed inks – in the form of carbon inks and tannins, of carbon and iron gall inks, and of carbon and metallic salts –, iron gall inks made without vitriol and iron gall inks made with sources of tannins different from gall nuts.
Ink recipes from the islamic era: Texts, manuscripts, ink reproductions and scientific analyses
(2019)
Ink recipes can often be found in Arabic manuscripts. They may be included in treatises of diverse subjects – from handbooks for secretaries or calligraphers to books on arts and crafts, to alchemical and astrological essays. Recipes can also appear, with or without relation to the main text in the manuscript, in the form of lists or collections or even added in empty spaces as single entries. Why were these recipes written down? Were they used by the many professionals dealing with inks in their every-day work? Or were they part of the literary genre of adab with little or no practical application? To answer these questions a research project was set up: ink recipes have been collected from written Arabic sources, their feasibility has been assessed and some of them have been reproduced. These samples were artificially aged and analysed through an array of analytical techniques, most non-invasive and non-destructive, and the results compared to the data obtained by the application of the same analyses on concrete manuscripts. The codicological characteristics of the manuscripts have also been studied. My aim in this talk is to show how such an interdisciplinary approach could be beneficial for the study of material culture.
This talk will be divided into two parts. In the first part I will present the analytical techniques and the equipment used by the Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures that can be applied for the study of decorated papers. The analyses aim to determine the constituent materials of papers, pigments, dyes and metals and the techniques used for their production. I will focus in particular on the kind of information these techniques allow us to gather: through optical microscopy we conduct fibre analysis in order to identify the plant used as raw material in paper production while Reflectography, X-Ray Fluorescence and InfraRed, Raman and Visible Reflectance Spectroscopy are used to study the sizing agents, the pigments, dyes and metals. In the second part I will show some results obtained by the application of these techniques on a few Persianate manuscripts, dating between the 15th and 17th centuries, belonging to the corpus of Ilse Sturkenboom.
In this poster we will present some results of a research projects dealing with Arabic recipes of black inks [1-2]. To improve conservation practices of Arabic manuscripts we have assessed the feasibility of the recipes collected from many Arabic sources on bookmaking and reproduced the most common inks. Ink samples were then artificially aged and analysed using an array of analytical techniques, mostly non-invasive, in order to build a database of Arabic inks and their ingredients and also to verify the detection limits of the portable equipment employed.
We will show procedures and problems concerning the identification of ink types and ingredients using reflectography (in Vis, IR and UV), X-Ray Fluorescence, Infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The focus will be in particular on squid ink [3] and mixed inks – both in the form of carbon inks with the addition of tannins and of a mixture of carbon and iron gall inks – which are particularly difficult to detect [4]. We will also examine the results of iron gall inks made with iron filings or nails instead of vitriol, the various precursor used to extract gallic acid that are mentioned in the sources as surrogates of gall nuts.
[1] A. Schopen, Tinten und Tuschen des arabisch-islamischen Mittelalters, Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2004
[2] S. Fani, Le arti del libro secondo le fonti arabe originali. I ricettari arabi per la fabbricazione degli inchiostri (sec. IX-XIII): loro importanza per una corretta valutazione e conservazione del patrimonio manoscritto, PhD thesis, Napoli: Università L’Orientale, 2013
[3] S. Centeno, J. Shamir Journal of Molecular Structure, 873 (2008), 149-159
[4] C. Colini et. al, Manuscript cultures, 11 (2018) 43-50
In this poster we will present some results of a research projects dealing with Arabic recipes of black inks. To improve conservation practices of Arabic manuscripts we have assessed the feasibility of the recipes collected from many Arabic sources on bookmaking and reproduced the most common inks. Ink samples were then artificially aged and analysed using an array of analytical techniques, mostly non-invasive, in order to build a database of Arabic inks and their ingredients and also to verify the detection limits of the portable equipment employed.
We will show procedures and problems concerning the identification of ink types and ingredients using reflectography (in Vis, IR and UV), X-Ray Fluorescence, Infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The focus will be in particular on squid ink and mixed inks – both in the form of carbon inks with the addition of tannins and of a mixture of carbon and iron gall inks – which are particularly difficult to detect. We will also examine the results of iron gall inks made with iron filings or nails instead of vitriol, the various precursor used to extract gallic acid that are mentioned in the sources as surrogates of gall nuts.
In the 15th century, Persian manuscripts underwent significant and lasting changes. Possibly as a response to the import of tinted and gold-decorated paper from China, which was used for manuscript production in Greater Iran, Persian papers were also tinted and embellished with gold-decorated and marbled margins or frames. In a joint project between CSMC and the University of St Andrews, and in co-operation with the Golestan Palace Museum, we aim to analyse papers and their decorations in manuscripts in the holdings of the Golestan Palace Library. The analyses aim to determine the consistencies of papers, pigments and metals and the techniques used for their production and application. The support will be first described in its codicological characteristics such as dimensions, thickness, colour (expressed in colour coordinates), pattern left from the sieve (observed in transmitted light). The plant used as raw material in paper production will be studied by fibres analysis, while the sizing agents, the pigments, dyes and metals will be analysed by the application of several methods: in particular Reflectography, X-Ray Fluorescence and InfraRed, Raman and Visible Reflectance Spectroscopy. The results of the analyses will be published in an online database that will form an important resource for the material aspects of Persian manuscripts and be a starting point for establishing a first chronology of the materials and techniques used in Persian manuscript production.
An approach to achieve 'zero leakage' is discussed with respect to experience in Germany, where strict regulations for landfill lining and capping Systems have been developed and issued because of large environmental Problems related to landfills that accumulated in the 1970s and 1980s. Using a thick, high-quality high-density Polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane (GM) that is installed free of residual waves and wrinkles in intimate contact with a compacted clay liner or geosynthetic clay liner of very low permeability, by a qualified, experienced, well-equipped and properly third-party-controlled installer, and which is protected by heavy protection layers designed with respect to the long-term performance of the GM may result in a liner or capping system of practically no leakage. This is demonstrated by analysing results of measurements obtained from permanently installed leak-detection Systems in combination with HDPE GMs. The survey was based on 32 German landfills with 1.276.500 m² of installed GMs.
In the transition to the Circular Economy (CE) model, where the added value of products is kept as long as possible and waste is eliminated, the sustainable management of raw materials plays a key role. In above CE model, especial attention is paid to CRMs which are economically and strategically important for the European economy, but have a high-risk associated with their supply.
One of the most important element which can not be replaced and is an essential element for human nutrition, yet limited resource is phosphorus (P). An importance of issues related to sustainable P management results from EU legislation, which indicated P as a Critical Raw Material (CRM).
The sustainable management of P-resources is especially important for the Baltic region. A consequence of waterborne loads passing into the sea, mainly as wastewater with a high P content is the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea environment. Due to the largest inputs of P (37%) into the Baltic Sea originate from Poland, the development of sustainable solutions aimed at more rational P management for this country is externally important.
Hundreds of papyrus rolls, carbonized during the 79CE eruption of Mount Vesuvius, were discovered in 1754 at Herculaneum. Sophisticated mechanical methods for unrolling the best-preserved scrolls have been applied, with varying success. However, such processes have been abandoned, to prevent risk from irremediable damage or loss and to preserve the integrity of the extremely fragile rolls. Following the development of X-ray based non-invasive techniques, attempts to virtually unroll the scrolls were made. The most common ink in Antiquity was carbon-based, and the main element of carbonized papyrus is carbon, making these investigations difficult. However, some attempts with synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast tomography (XPCT) were successful. Recently, the identification of antique inks containing metals raised hope that if some of the inks contain metal the rolls can be virtually unrolled using conventional CT- technique. We are presenting here the first results of a preliminary analysis, which aimed at identifying scrolls whose ink contains metals.
Due to the vital importance of phosphorus (P) and its increasing scarcity as a natural resource, phosphorus recovery has recently gained significant scientific and technical interest. An interesting sources of phosphorus are sewage sludge (SS) and sewage sludge ash (SSA) due to the major part of the phosphate from P rich wastewater is transferred to the sludge (approx. 90%). Despite the fact that the raw materials base is large (PURE report indicates that in 2020 the amount of sewage sludge generated in Poland will reach 180% of the dry matter of sewage sludge produced in 2010), at present recycling of phosphorus is not a commonly used practice in Poland.
The compatible solute ectoine is a versatile protectant synthesized by many prokaryotes. It is used as an osmolyte helping microorganisms to maintain an osmotic equilibrium. In addition, ectoine acts as a stabilizer and protects proteins, membranes and whole cells against detrimental effects such as freezing and thawing, drying and high temperatures. Its protective effect is explained by the preferential exclusion model, which postulates that ectoine does not directly interact with biomolecules but is excluded from their surface. Interestingly, details on the interaction of ectoine with DNA are still unknown. Therefore, we studied the influence of ectoine on DNA and the mechanisms by which ectoine protects DNA against ionizing radiation. To emulate biological conditions, we used a sample holder comprising a silicon chip with a Si3N4 membrane, which allows for electron irradiation of DNA in aqueous solution. Analysis by atomic force microscopy revealed that without ectoine, DNA was damaged by irradiation with a dose of 1,7 +/-0,3 Gy. With ectoine, DNA remained undamaged, even after irradiation with 15 Gy. Simulations with dsDNA and ectoine in water revealed a preferential binding of the zwitterionic ectoine to the negatively charged DNA. According to the simulations, binding of ectoine will destabilize dsDNA. Destabilizing is probably caused by the transition of B-DNA to A-DNA and will reduce the DNA melting temperature, which was experimentally proven. The preferential binding provides a stable ectoine shell around DNA, which allows ectoine to reduce OH-radicals and electrons near the DNA and thereby mitigating the damaging effect of ionizing radiation.
Z02 is one of the three technically supporting projects at the Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures (CSMC). In collaboration with the other two service projects, Z01 and Z03, it aims at bridging the gap between humanities and natural sciences and technology. To that purpose, we set up a laboratory with a range of high-end instruments, most of them mobile, allowing thorough non-destructive analysis of manuscripts. In addition to working on constantly improving the laboratory and the methods of analysis, a substantial part of our activities is dedicated to service, by supporting different research projects conducted at the centre. In this talk, we will present our equipment and the possibilities offered by the different techniques available regarding the different kinds of missions: typology and classification of inks, provenance studies, recovery of faded inscriptions and palimpsests, reconstruction of the history of manuscripts, authentication and dating. We will give a brief overview of our past and ongoing activities in the frame of the second phase of the CSMC. Finally, a selection of three projects will be presented in greater detail to highlight the possibilities of our laboratory and the diversity of missions which can be carried out.
The global rise of antibiotic resistance has made the proper use of disinfectants more important than ever. Their application in clinical l settings is an integral part of antibiotics stewardship by preventing the occurrence and spread of infections. However, improper use of disinfectants also harbours the risk for the evolution of tolerance and resistance to disinfectants, but also to antibiotics. It is therefore crucial to understand whether and how bacteria can survive chemical disinfection and which conditions facilitate the evolution of tolerance and resistance.
Here, we study the heterogeneity in the response of isogenic E. coli populations exposed to different levels of commonly used disinfectants. At concentrations below the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), we find that certain disinfectants induce prolonged lag times in individual cells, a phenotype that has been associated with persistence against antibiotics. At concentrations above the MIC, we find heterogeneous killing for a range of the tested substances. Interestingly, for the three cationic surfactants that were tested, we find kill kinetics revealing the presence of a tolerant subpopulation that can withstand disinfection longer than most of the population. We will present results from an ongoing evolution experiment in which we test the potential for evolution of population-wide tolerance and resistance through intermittent exposure to lethal doses of a cationic surfactant.
A wide range of methods are used to estimate the plant-availability of soil phosphorus (P). Published research has shown that the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique has a superior correlation to plant-available P in soils compared to standard chemical extraction tests. In order to identify the plantavailable soil P species, we combined DGT with infrared and P K- and L2,3-edge X-ray adsorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. This was achieved by spectroscopically investigating the dried binding layer of DGT devices after soil deployment. All three spectroscopic methods were able to distinguish between different kinds of phosphates (poly-, trimeta-, pyro- and orthophosphate) on the DGT binding layer. However, infrared spectroscopy was most sensitive to distinguish between different types of adsorbed inorganic and organic phosphates. Furthermore, intermediates of the time-resolved hydrolysis of trimetaphosphate in soil could be analyzed.
An existing pyrometallurgical process for tantalum and niobium recovery, mainly from low grade pyrometallurgical residues, was investigated. Series of melting experiments were carried out in a pilot-scale electric arc furnace to study how the amount, the grain size and the way of feeding affect the activity of carbon as a reducing agent. During the pyrometallurgical treatment refractory metals such as tantalum and niobium are reduced to their carbide form and enriched in the molten iron-based metal phase. The cooled down slag and metal phase were analysed to investigate thermodynamic and kinetic conditions of the carbide formation. FACT Sage simulations were also used to investigate the material system in state of thermodynamic equilibrium. Results show that mass transfer and kinetics may play an important role if compared to equilibrium analyses using FACT Sage.
Blast furnace (BF) sludge and electric arc furnace (EAF) dust are typical wastes that incur from iron and steel production. In addition to iron, calcium, carbon, and silicon they usually contain high concentrations of heavy metals such as zinc, lead, and cadmium that are potentially hazardous to the environment, rendering disposal in landfills ecologically problematic and costly. Consequently, pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, and hybrid methods for selective elimination of non-ferrous heavy metals from BF sludge and EAF dust have been conceived, of which only the carbothermic reduction route taken in the so-called Waelz rotary kiln process has been proven to be economically successful. However, this process has several drawbacks regarding efficiency of heavy-metal removal and recovery of iron, and it does not allow processing of BF sludge. In this study, we investigated the efficiency and feasibility of selective chlorination and evaporation of non-ferrous heavy metals, particularly zinc and lead, in both BF sludge and EAF dust as an alternative, thermochemical processing route. To this end, hydrochloric acid and iron(II) chloride solution have been used as chlorinating agents, and the process of heavy-metal chlorination and evaporation has been investigated under inert operating conditions, at variable chlorine concentrations, and at temperatures between 500 and 1200 °C.
High zinc and lead removal efficiencies of > 99.5 % were achieved with both chlorinating agents, but iron(II) chloride turned out to be overall more efficient for removal of zinc and lead from BF sludge and EAF dust. Interestingly, and in contrast to previous studies, the iron was completely retained in the processed solid residue, therefore rendering the processed residues virtually zinc- and lead-free raw materials that may either be used internally (e.g., feeding processed BF sludge and EAF dust back into the respective furnaces) or externally (e.g., for cement production).
An existing pyrometallurgical process for tantalum and niobium recovery, mainly from low grade pyrometallurgical residues, was investigated. Series of melting experiments were carried out in a pilot-scale electric arc furnace to study how the amount, the grain size and the way of feeding affect the activity of carbon as a reducing agent. During the pyrometallurgical treatment refractory metals such as tantalum and niobium are reduced to their carbide form and enriched in the molten iron-based metal phase. The cooled down slag and metal phase were analysed to investigate thermodynamic and kinetic conditions of the carbide formation. FACT Sage simulations were also used to investigate the material system in state of thermodynamic equilibrium. Results show that mass transfer and kinetics may play an important role if compared to equilibrium analyses using FACT Sage.
Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of iron is usually attributed to sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRM) in oil and gas facilities. SRM act upon the metal by the re-activeness of hydrogen sulfide (HS-), and by withdrawal of the available electrons in electrical contact with the metal (EMIC). Methanogenic archaea (MA) can also cause MIC (Mi-MIC). Several MAs were identified to be corrosive by using elemental iron as the sole electron donor for methanogenesis, including Methanobacterium-affliated IM1 and Methanococcus maripaludis Mic1c10. Currently, low corrosion rates were reported for MA, possibly due to the formation of siderite (4Fe + 5HCO3- + 5H+ ® 4FeCO3 + CH4 + 3H2O). Since MA do not produce HS-, withdrawal of electrons may be their main corrosive mechanism; however, mechanistic details and kinetics of the overall process are poorly understood.
To investigate the corrosion potential of MA, we studied the EMIC methanogenic strains (IM1 and Mic1c10) individually or part of a syntrophic co-culture with SRM. Corrosion studies were conducted using an in-house developed flow-through system to simulate fluctuating environmental conditions. Results indicate that the rates of iron corrosion by MA (up to 0.4 mm/yr) are higher to that caused by the marine SRM Desulfovibrio alaskensis (0.15 mm/yr) and the co-culture (0.1 mm/yr). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the metal incubated with MA showed severe pitting corrosion. Genomic analysis of the EMIC MA was conducted to provide an insight on the possible cellular mechanisms that could be involved. Furthermore, low concentrations of MA-targeting biocides will be applied to EMIC MA in static and flow conditions to gain insights for possible mitigation strategies. Such knowledge and deeper understanding also from an electrokinetic point of view may not only provide further models in microbial electrophysiology, but also contribute to mitigation strategies in MIC.
Treatment and reusing of hazardous wastes have become significant issues of modern societies. Blast furnace sludge (BFS) and electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) are such typical wastes, because they usually contain high amounts of undesirable elements such as zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb).
These elements can cause operational problems in reusing of BFS and EAFD. In this study, the Ferro Duo GmbH and the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing have investigated a novel approach for eliminating and/or recovering Zn and Pb from both wastes. Applied was a selective chlorination and volatilization of Zn and Pb as chlorides at temperatures between 500 °C and 1100 °C. Both product obtained, Zn and Pb in the form of ZnCl2 and PbCl2 and the purified solid mineral compound are attractive materials for further use. Hydrochloric acid and iron(II) chloride were used as chlorination agents. Exceptionally high Zn and Pb removal efficiencies of >99.5 % could be achieved with both chlorination agents, whereby iron(II) chloride exhibited better performance.
First insights into Chinese reverse glass paintings gained by non invasive spectroscopic analysis
(2019)
A non-invasive methodological approach (X-ray fluorescence (XRF), diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), Raman spectroscopy) has been carried out to identify the pigments and classify the binding media in two Chinese reverse glass paintings (The Archer, Yingying and Hongniang) from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The results reveal a combined use of traditional Chinese and imported European materials. Several pigments like cinnabar, lead white, orpiment, carbon black and copper-arsenic green (probably emerald green) were found in both paintings; red lead, artificial ultramarine blue, Prussian blue and ochre appear in at least one of the paintings.
The presence of portlandite (Ca(OH)2) along calcite (CaCO3) in the fine-grained, white backing layer of Yingying and Hongniang indicates the presence of limewash. In Chinese tradition, limewash was produced from clamshells, and was then sold as clamshell white. In contrast to the Japanese pigment, Chinese clamshell white was made of finely grounded shells, which were heated over a low fire. The residue (CaO) forms portlandite (Ca(OH)2) when water is continuously added. This water-rich mixture is applied on the painting. Portlandite reacts with atmospheric CO2 during drying and forms fine-grained calcite (CaCO3) [1,2].
The identification of emerald green (The Archer) suggests an earliest manufacturing date in the 1830s [3] and promotes the sinological dating of the painting. Drying oil was classified as a binding media in most areas of both paintings. However, the orange background of The Archer yielded prominent bands of both proteinaceous and fatty binder.
Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) of iron is usually attributed to sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRM) which act upon the metal by the reactiveness of hydrogen sulfide, and by withdrawal of the available electrons in electrical contact with the metal. Methanogenic archaea can also cause MIC by directly withdrawing electrons from the iron surface for methanogenesis. However, the mechanistic details and kinetics of the overall process are poorly understood. Precipitation of siderite, a by-product of methanogenesis, (4Fe + 5HCO3 + 5H+ 4FeCO3 + CH4 + 3H2O) can lead to an insulating layer on the metal surface and lower the corrosion rate. Still, the extent of FeCO3 precipitation may be significantly influenced by environmental conditions such as pH and advective processes.
Draft standards for the determination of organic pollutants in the solid matter of environmental matrices such as sludge, treated biowaste and soil have been basically developed in the framework of the European standardization project HORIZONTAL. A research project financed by the German Federal Environment Agency was initiated to finalize some of these CEN standard drafts, since fully validated standard procedures are crucial for the evaluation of their reliability in the context of implementation in legislation on environmental health.
Approach: Appropriate test materials (< 2mm particle size) were prepared and homogenized from contaminated soils, sludge and treated biowaste containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), dioxins, furans and dioxin-like-PCB and served, along with reference solutions, as the basis for international interlaboratory comparisons. Performance data of three analytical standard procedures were obtained by the statistical evaluation of results received from 11 to 29 participants per test material.
Results: The overall variation coefficients of reproducibility (between-lab standard deviations) for the sum parameters were roughly between 10 and 35 %. The variation coefficients of repeatability (within-lab standard deviations) range between 3 % and 8 % and show no trend considering the substance groups or matrices.
The highest coefficients of reproducibility were found for the analysis of PAHs, which were between 26 and 35 %, depending on the matrix, whereas 7-17 % reproducibility was observed for toxicity equivalents (TEQ) comprising dioxins, furans and dl-PCB.
Conclusions: Overall, the results confirm that the procedures described in the Technical Specifications are fit for purpose for all three matrices and that the feasibility of the HORIZONTAL approach, to cover several matrices with one standard per analyte, was thereby proven.
The project ProMoAM is presented. The goal of the project is to evaluate which NDT techniques or combination of techniques is suited for in-situ quality assurance in additive manufacturing of metals. To this end, also 3d-data fusion and visualization techniques are applied. Additional ex-situ NDT-techniques are used as references for defect detection and quantification. Feasability studies for NDT-techniques that are presently not applicable for in-situ use are performed as well.
The presentation gives a brief overview of the whole project and the different involved NDT-techniques.
The church of Koszewko (Poland) is a brick building edified in the 15th century built on cobblestone foundations. There are five windows in the sanctuary. Three of them enclose heraldic panels from the Küssow’s family from the 15th century which are surrounded with Goethe glass from the 18th century to complete the windows. The colored heraldic panels are strongly damaged and corroded with massive paint layer losses, glass- and leadbreakages. Those medieval glass fragments have been shortly discovered and are of particular interest for Poland since only few medieval glazing have been conserved.
The damages as well as the glass compositions have been investigated with ESEM/EDX. Two categories of medieval glass compositions have been identified. The blue glass is particularly sensible to corrosion because of his high content in K2O. The colorless and the red glass samples belong to a stable glass type. Due to the thickness of the gel layer, it is easy to see that the degradation is strongly proceeded. The protection of those medieval stained-glass panels is absolute necessary.
The medieval panels have been restored and surrounded from a copper frame. Then they have been fixed on the wood frame in the church. The exterior glazing has been closed with a panel of Goethe glass. The gap between the Goethe- and the medieval glass is about 3 cm. The Goethe glass panel has been stabilized with a film based on polyester to protect the medieval glasses against any damages. In this way, a low cost protective glazing has been installed for a long-term conservation of each medieval stained-glass panels. The climate measurements over the period of one year on the restored windows are in process. The temperature and the relative humidity are recorded in the church interior, in the gap between the original and the Goethe glass and outdoors.
Biocides are commonly applied to construction materials such as facade renders and paints in order to protect them from microbial spoilage. These renders and paints are exposed to weathering conditions, e.g., sunlight and rain. Pigments are interacting intensively with the spectrum of the incoming light; thus, an effect of paint pigments on phototransformation rates and reaction pathways of the biocides is hypothesized.
In this study, the phototransformation of four commonly used biocides (carbendazim, diuron, octylisothiazolinone (OIT) and terbutryn) in four different paint formulations differing solely in pigments (red and black iron oxides, white titanium dioxide, and one pigment-free formulation) were investigated. Paints surfaces were irradiated under controlled conditions. The results show that biocides degrade most rapidly in the pigment-free formulation. The degradation in the pigment-free formulation followed a first-order kinetic model with the respective photolysis rate constants: kp,Diuron=0.0090 h−1, kp,OIT=0.1205 h−1, kp,Terbutryn=0.0079 h−1.
Carbendazim concentrations did not change significantly. The degradation was considerably lower in the pigment-containing paints. The determination of several phototransformation products of terbutryn and octylisothiazolinone showed different transformation product ratios dependent on the pigment. Consequently, pigments not only reflect the incoming light, but also interact with the biocide photodegradation.
In Denmark, increasing amounts of woody biomass are being used for the production of renewable energy, resulting in more wood ashes being generated. While these materials have been mainly landfilled, wood ashes may also be utilised for fertilizing and liming purposes on top of soils. Pre-treatments involving hardening or granulation may be carried out prior to soil application. In this study, two Danish wood ash samples were hardened and/or granulated. Lab-hardening induced rapid changes in the shape of the acid neutralisation capacity curve of the ashes. Up-flow column tests, assuming local equilibrium conditions, were employed to investigate the leaching from pre-treated ashes. Granules and loose ashes demonstrated similar leaching behaviours, indicating that similar geochemical processes were governing their leaching. In comparison with untreated fresh ashes, the hardened ashes demonstrated reduced leaching of Ca, Ba, Pb and Zn with concentration levels generally below or close to the analytical limits of quantification; to the contrary, the leaching of As, P, Sb, Si, V and Mg was enhanced in the hardened ashes. The release of alkalinity was reduced by hardening. In general, all granules were barely breakable by finger-pinching and they could withstand one month of continuous leaching, preserving their overall shape. The solubility of phosphorous in neutral ammonium citrate indicated that about 30–51% of the total P content in the ash samples was released, suggesting that the ashes could be potentially valuable as P-fertiliser if applied onto soil.
The objective of this study is to find out, to what extent the geochemical characteristics of lapis lazuli can be utilized in respect to its provenance. A wide range of variables is taken into consideration depending on the quantity of samples analysed from a specific geological region and the methods applied. In order to provide evidence, a multi-technique analytical approach using µXRF, ESEM, PGAA and PIXE is applied to samples from the most famous deposits of lapis lazuli. Special elements determined as fingerprints are compared in relation to the forming conditions obvious in textural features. The results and statistical output allow a differentiation that enables an optimized local classification of the blue stone. An absolute requirement for all geo-tracing performed on blue colored cultural objects of unknown provenance is awareness of the limits of analysis. The possible sources of lapis lazuli are tested by analysing the blue pigment used as paint on murals and ink on manuscripts from the Silk Road.
This work highlights the rediscovery of the technique of reverse glass painting by the artists of the “Blaue Reiter” collective in the early 20th-century and focusses particularly on the role of Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944). Kandinsky created more than 70 reverse paintings on glass and showed several of them in exhibitions together with paintings on canvas and cardboard, implying a coequal importance of these techniques. Four of his early (1911–1914) reverse glass paintings (Auferstehung, Allerheiligen II, Rudern, Apokalyptischer Reiter II) were selected for investigation and their iconography, painting techniques and painting materials were examined. Two paintings were executed on so-called cathedral glass, revealing a “hammered surface”, whereas Kandinsky used a corrugated glass panel for Rudern. A multi-analytical, non-invasive approach [X-ray fluorescence (XRF), diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), VIS spectroscopy (VIS), Raman spectroscopy] was taken to identify the pigments and classify the binding media. The results reveal a broad palette of materials. Several pigments like lead white, zinc white, Strontium yellow, Prussian blue, viridian, cadmium yellow, ultramarine blue, cinnabar and carbon black were found in most of the four paintings. The use of the rare synthetic organic pigments PR60 and PB52 is discussed. In two works of art, cadmium carbonate is associated with cadmium yellow. The identification of aluminium foil along with tin foils in Rudern indicates an early use of this material for reverse glass paintings.
This work addresses the identification of synthetic organic pigments (SOP) in eight modern reverse paintings on glass (1913–1946) by means of an in-situ multi-analytical approach. We combined the complementary properties of mobile Raman spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) to overcome the main disadvantages of each method: extensive band overlapping in DRIFT spectra and fluorescence problems in Raman spectra. A collection of DRIFTS reference spectra enables a precise pigment identification by DRIFTS and establishes this method as a serious non-destructive alternative for the identification of SOP. The group of β-naphthol pigments yielded valuable results for both methods, whereas synthetic alizarin (PR83) was preferentially detected by DRIFTS. Finally, uncommon triaryl carbonium pigments and two azo group-based yellows were identified in the paintings by means of Raman spectroscopy.
This work addresses the identification of synthetic organic pigments (SOP) in ten modern reverse paintings on glass (1912-1946) by means of an in-situ multi-analytical approach. The combination of the complimentary properties of mobile Raman spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) enabled the detection of sixteen SOP even in complex mixtures with inorganic compounds and binders. For the β-naphthol pigments, both Raman and DRIFTS yield appropriate results. DRIFTS was the preferred method for the detection of synthetic alizarin (PR83). Its diagnostic band pattern even allows its detection in complex mixtures with mineral pigments, binders and fillers. Raman spectroscopy yielded distinctive spectra for the triaryl carbonium pigments (PG1, PV2, PR81) and the two-yellow azo SOP (PY3, PY12), whereas DRIFT spectra were affected by extensive band overlapping. This may also occur in Raman spectra, but in less problematic amounts. Fluorescence is the major problem with Raman and it significantly hampers the SOP spectra even with the 785 nm laser. On the one hand the big spot size of DRIFTS (10 mm) limits the technique to rather large sampling areas, whereas the use of a 50× objective for in-situ Raman measurements permits a focus on small spots and aggregated SOP flakes. Moreover, “environmental” factors like temperature changes, artificial light, limited space and vibrations when people pass by need to be considered for in-situ measurements in museums.
Finally, the results show the experimental use of SOP in modern reverse glass paintings. Among several rare SOP (e.g. PB52, PR81), two of them (PG1, PV2) have never been reported before in any artwork.
The use of secondary building materials can meet the requirements of sustainability in several ways: the extended time availability of primary raw materials and, thereby, the protection of natural ressources as well as the conservation of landfill sites. Regarding the predicted decrease of gypsum supply in Germany, particularly the recycling of gypsum (calcium sulfate) is of growing importance. Currently, the gypsum demand is fulfilled (at least 60%) by gypsum as side product from coal-fired power plants (FGD Gypsum). Germany’s natural gypsum deposits fulfil the remaining gypsum demand. Due to national climate protection goals the gypsum supply from coal power plants will decrease significantly in the future.
In addition, the content of sulfates in other secondary building materials, in particular in recycled concrete aggregates, should be minimized for quality reasons. Separated gypsum can be used in gypsum production if the high quality requirements for recycled gypsum are met. Accordingly, there have been significant advancements in the processing of gypsum residues in the last years. Since almost all processing steps in the recycling process are associated with environmental impacts, an evironmental evaluation of the use of recycled gypsum as a substitute in gypsum production has to be carefully conducted.
The presentation focusses on the techniques for generating recycled gypsum from gypsum plaster boards, the related quality requirements and a comprehensive environmental evaluation of the complete process.
19th and 20th centuries glass paint layers consist of a colour body and a colourless lead silicate flux, in which borax or boric acid was added as further component to improve the paint ability and to reduce the firing temperature for multiple layers of paint. Model glasses were used in laboratory tests to investigate the stability of glass paints with additions of boron oxide. To determine boron in paint layers, a LIBS-system with pulsed NdYAG-laser was used.
Specific co-fertilization of nutrients can enhance their plant-availability and thus the yield of plants. To investigate this effect, we performed a pot experiment with three different P-fertilizers and ammonium nitrate sulfate as a co-fertilizer, without and with a nitrification inhibitor (NI), and analyzed the form of nitrogen (N) in the soil via novel X-ray spectroscopic method. The application of NI with the N fertilizer led to a higher dry matter yield of maize. Novel N K-edge micro-X-ray absorption near-edge structure (micro-XANES) spectroscopy identified that the application of a NI promotes the temporary formation of a non-exchangeable N in detectable hot-spots in the soil. The subsequent slow release and prolonged availability of N during plant growth leads to higher yield. It can be concluded that NIs lead to a temporary fixation of ammonium-N in a pool that can be accessed by plant roots. Those types of available nutrient pools meet the idea of so-called “next generation fertilizers” as plants have access to nutrients according to their current demand.
The investigation of physical properties and chemical composition generates data important for answering cultural-historical questions that cannot be solved by historical and philological methods alone. Due to technological developments, technical diagnostics in art and culture are in ever-greater demand in such fields of transdisciplinary research. Natural sciences play auxiliary role in the studies of manuscripts. The success of their contribution depends strongly on the formulation of the question, the choice of the methods to obtain the requested answer, and appropriate reference databases. First, report was given on the measurements performed on local raw materials, such as, plants, minerals and animals, which constitute the reference session. Then, the first results of the scientific analysis of several fragments from the Malian manuscript collections were present.
The evolution and socio-geographic distribution of writing inks from Late Antiquity to the Middle Ages are one of the foci of our investigative work at the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) in Berlin and the Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures, Hamburg University.
This presentation will examine the inks used by Jews in the in different geographical zones try to correlate the results of the material analysis with written records and existing traditions. We will compare the inks proposed by Maimonides, who lived in 12th-century Egypt, with the considerations of Rashi, who lived in 11th-century northern France, and see that they both advocated use of the inks commonly known and produced in their respective regions. It is Maimonides who proposes to add tannins to the soot inks, but rejects the metallic salt, both of which were practices that were well attested in contemporary Arabic recipes for making ink. In contrast, Rashi was favourable to employing the plant inks in use in contemporary Northern Europe.
Natural sciences play auxiliary role in the studies of manuscripts. The success of their contribution depends strongly on the formulation of the question and the choice of the methods to obtain the requested answer. Therefore, one should try to go beyond the understanding of the basic principles of the scientific analysis.
We will start with a glance at the basic principles of the techniques used in the material science for determination of the elemental composition (X-ray emission) and molecular composition (FTIR & Raman). We will move then to the bench and mobile equipment commonly used in the field of cultural heritage. At the end we will choose a question to be answered and design an ideal experiment that will be modified according to the limitations dictated by on-site conditions.
In the ateliers in the afternoon we will
a) compare two XRF devices that differ in their spatial resolution;
b) use a high resolution microscope (Keyence) to obtain a close look at writing surfaces and materials;
c) we will learn to determine the type of the inks with the help of another microscope (DinoLite AD413T-12V), a usb microscope with visible, UV and NIR illumination;
d) we will learn to use FTIR-ATR device for determination of the type of the writing surface;
e) We will use mobile Raman device for identification of pigments.
Parchment
(2019)
This lecture will present history of parchment based on written sources and chemical examination of antique, medieval and modern parchment.
Our studies of the Dead Sea Scrolls writing surfaces show that they can be divided roughly into three groups: leather, parchments of a light tint, and those of various shades of brown. The latter ones are invariably tanned, whereas the middle group is characterized by the presence of various inorganic salts. Some of the pale parchments, among them the Temple Scroll (11Q19), are remarkably similar to medieval European parchment. Therefore we have formulated the working theory that in the Judaea of the Hellenistic period two different parchment-making traditions existed side by side: an ‘eastern’ one (represented by the tanned parchments of Qumran, closely resembling Aramaic documents from the fifth century BC, and a ‘western’ one (represented by the untanned/lightly tanned ones similar to early Christian Greek parchments).
This division has found support during our studies of the Geniza fragments, in which Babylonian and Palestinian traditions seem to follow the “eastern” and “western” technologies, respectively.
Inks and pigments
(2019)
The writing materials used in various cultures and epochs can be divided into two groups. The first comprises materials that write themselves, producing script by rubbing their own material off onto the writing surface. It includes charcoal, graphite, chalk, raddle, and metal styluses. Depending on the material and consistency, these are cut or pressed to make styluses and then used for writing.
The second group comprises all coloring liquids that are applied to the writing surface with a quill, pen, or printing block. It includes inks made from dye solutions (for example, tannin inks) and those made from pigment dispersions (for example, sepia, soot, and bister inks). The latter are sometimes also rubbed as pastes into letters incised into the writing surface, where they increase visual contrast.
Due to the variety of recipes and the natural origin of raw materials, there is a wide range of different components and impurities in writing materials.
Soluble inks (Tinten)
Soluble inks are based mainly on dyes forming a water solution. Colored inks were manufactured with different plant or insect dyes (e.g. Brazil wood, kermes). To stabilize the volatile material, the dyes were mixed with a mordant (e.g., alum).
Brown plant inks – best-known as blackthorn or Theophilus’ inks – are usually produced from the blackthorn bark and wine. In the early European Middle Ages, inks of this kind were widely used in the production of manuscripts in monasteries. Usually, they are light brown, so sometimes small amounts of iron sulfate were added, which led to what was called an “imperfect” iron gall ink. The difference between “classic” iron gall ink and such imperfect ink is therefore not clear: the distinction is not possible, especially with the naked eye.
Dispersion inks (Tuschen)
According to its generic recipe, one of the oldest black writing materials is produced by mixing soot with a binder dissolved in a small amount of water. Thus, along with soot, binders such as gum arabic (ancient Egypt) or animal glue (China) are among the main components of soot inks. From Pliny’s detailed account of the manufacture of various soot-based inks, we learn that, despite its seeming simplicity, producing pure soot of high quality was not an easy task in Antiquity. Therefore, we expect to find various detectable additives that might be indicative of the time and place of production. One such carbon ink requires the addition of copper sulfate . The experimental discovery of this ink in 1990 led to a misleading expression “metal ink” that is sometimes found in the literature.
Colored dispersion inks based on pigments such as orpiment, cinnabar, or azurite have been known since Antiquity. Natural or artificially produced minerals are finely ground and dispersed in a binding medium. As in soot inks, water-soluble binders such as gum arabic or egg white were used.
Iron gall ink (Eisengallustinten)
Iron gall inks are a borderline case between these two groups. They are produced from four basic ingredients: galls, vitriol as the main source of iron, gum arabic as a binding media, and an aqueous medium such as wine, beer, or vinegar. By mixing gallic acid with iron sulfate, a water-soluble ferrous gallate complex is formed; this product belongs to the type “soluble inks”. Due to its solubility, the ink penetrates the writing support’s surface, making it difficult to erase. Exposure to oxygen leads to the formation of insoluble black ferric gallate pigment, i.e., “dispersion ink”.
Natural vitriol consists of a varying mixture of metal sulfates. Since for ink making it was obtained from different mines and by various techniques, inks contain many other metals, like copper, aluminum, zinc, and manganese, in addition to the iron sulfate. These metals do not contribute to color formation in the ink solution, but possibly change the chemical properties of the inks.
The lecture traces the origins of paper, the manufacture and the spread from China to the Middle East and Europe.
Though technological progress considerably affected each step of the manufacture of paper, the essence of the invention remains unchanged until today. The process of manufacturing handmade paper can be divided into a number of steps:
- choosing the raw material (e.g. cellulose from wood, cotton, rags)
- beating and grinding the fibres into small pieces
- producing a liquid pulp of the desired texture
- treating the pulp with various additives
- filling the pulp suspension into a paper mould
- draining the water
- pressing and drying to get the actual sheet
- various post-production treatments
We will see how the manufacturing process is reflected in the properties of the paper and its degradation. A special attention will be paid to the instrumental analysis for identification of the paper types. Also watermark play an important role in the studies of the manuscripts. A short overview will be offered at the ends of the lecture.
Small-scale variations in mineral chemistry, textures, and platinum group element (PGE) mineralization were investigated in the Lower and Middle Group chromitite layers LG6, LG6a, MG1, MG2, and MG2 II from vertical drill core profiles at the Thaba mine in the northwestern limb of the Bushveld Complex. We present detailed geochemical profiles of chromite composition and chromite crystal size distribution curves to shed light on the processes of chromite accumulation and textural modification as well as mineralization. Multiple samples within each layer were assayed for PGE concentrations, and the respective platinum group mineral association was determined by mineral liberation analysis (MLA).
There is strong evidence for postcumulus changes in the chromitites. The crystal size distribution curves suggest that the primary chromite texture was coarsened by a combination of adcumulus growth and textural equilibration, while compaction of the crystal mush played only a minor role. Mineral compositions were also modified by postcumulus processes, but because of the very high modal amount of chromite and its local preservation in orthopyroxene oikocrysts, that phase retained much primary information. Vertical variations of chromite composition within chromitite layers and from one layer to another do not support the idea of chromite accumulation from crystal-rich slurries or crystal settling from a large magma chamber. Instead, we favor a successive buildup of chromitite layers by repeated injections of relatively thin layers of chromite-saturated magmas, with in situ crystallization occurring at the crystal mush-magma interface. The adcumulus growth of chromite grains to form massive chromitite required addition of Cr to the layers, which we attribute to downward percolation from the overlying magma.
The PGE concentrations are elevated in all chromitite layers compared to adjacent silicate rocks and show a systematic increase upward from LG6 (avg 807 ppb Ir + Ru + Rh + Pt + Pd + Au) to MG2 II (avg 2,062 ppb).
There are also significant internal variations in all layers, with enrichments at hanging and/or footwalls. The enriched nature of chromitites in PGEs compared to host pyroxenites is a General feature, independent of the layer thickness. The MLA results distinguish two principal groups of PGE mineral associations: the LG6, LG6, and MG1 are dominated by the malanite series, laurite, and PGE sulfarsenides, while the MG2 and MG2 II layers are characterized by laurite and PGE sulfides as well as Pt-Fe-Sn and PGE-Sb-Bi-Pb alloys. Differences in the PGE associations are attributed to postcumulus alteration of the MG2 and MG2 II layer, while the chromitites below, particularly LG6 and LG6a, contain a more pristine association.
Sunlight, the major source of energy, drives life but in excess it provokes UV-induced DNA damage, accumulation of reactive oxygen species, desiccation, osmotic stresses and so on. Biological strategies to survive excess light include protection, avoidance and active utilisation. Phototrophic organisms including cyanobacteria, green algae and plants use all three strategies. Fungi occupying phototrophic niches may profit from the surplus photosynthetic products which also obliges them to cope with the same light-induced stresses. One way of handling these stresses would be to use similar signalling pathways to sense the presence and to interact with their phototrophic partners. Obviously, the levels of adaptation and responses to light will depend on the environment as well as fungal genotype and phylogenetic position. Black fungi – a polyphyletic group – accumulate the dark pigment DHN melanin in their cell walls and often occupy light-flooded habitats from phyllosphere to rock surfaces. Here we compare two sequenced melanised fungi of different lifestyles in their response to light.
The Leotiomycete Botrytis cinerea is an aggressive pathogen that primarily infects the above-ground parts of plants. It possesses large numbers of photoreceptors that respond to a broad spectrum of light. As a consequence, light controls morphogenesis in which it induces conidiation for disease spreading and represses sclerotial development for survival and/or sexual recombination. Cellular components involved in photo-perception and regulation of morphogenesis, stress responses and virulence have been identified and appear to regulate propagation, survival and infection. These include phytochromes, a group of photoreceptors which are particularly enriched in the Leotiomycetes and that mediate coordinated responses to light and elevated temperatures. Assuming that photo-regulation may be equally important for fungi that live in mutualistic relationships with phototrophs either by forming composite organisms or biofilms, we investigate the role of light in the rock-inhabiting Eurotiomycete Knufia petricola. Like other black yeasts, K. petricola grows slowly, does not form specialised reproductive structures and constitutively produces DHN melanin as well as carotenoids. Combining K. petricola with the cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme, we developed a model system for studying biofilm formation and bio-weathering. A genetic toolbox to manipulate this model system is being developed. K. petricola strain A95 possesses ten putative photoreceptors, more than found in filamentous Eurotiomycetes suggesting that light plays an important role for abiotic and biotic interactions in extremo-tolerant and symbiosis-capable fungi.
While studying the history of inks, division 4.5 of the BAM (Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und Prüfung) together with the Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures in Hamburg has developed a protocol for ink analysis. It consists of a primary screening to determine the type of the ink, and a subsequent in-depth analysis using several spectroscopic techniques. One of them, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) aims primarily at establishing the fingerprints of inks containing metals, making it possible to distinguish among different inks.
Our research aims primarily at recreating a socio-geographic history of inks, parchment, and papyrus and includes the comparative analysis of the writing materials of the Dead Sea Scrolls, ink and papyrus in Ancient and Hellenistic Egypt, and inks in documents from various contemporary medieval communities in Fustat (first nucleus of Cairo) as well as other medieval Jewish and Armenian communities.
The presentation shows the panorama of historic inks and our attempt to follow up the transition of the inks from those based on soot to the iron-gall inks commonly used in the Middle Age.
Our study is dedicated to non-destructive characterization of the support and the inks of the DSS.
To that aim we use micro-XRF, 3D- SY-XRF, different IR methods including synchrotron radiation based reflectance spectroscopy, optical and electron microscopy.
The lecture discusses advantages and the shortcomings of the non-destructive testing approach.
Our research aims primarily at recreating a socio-geographic history of inks, parchment, and papyrus and includes the comparative analysis of the writing materials of the Dead Sea Scrolls, ink and papyrus in Ancient and Hellenistic Egypt, and inks in documents from various contemporary medieval communities in Fustat (first nucleus of Cairo) as well as other medieval Jewish and Armenian communities.
The presentation shows the panorama of historic inks and our attempt to follow up the transition of the inks from those based on soot to the iron-gall inks commonly used in the Middle Age.
While studying the socio-geographic history of inks, division 4.5 of the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und Prüfung (BAM) together with the Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures (CSMC) in Hamburg has developed a non-invasive protocol for ink analysis. It consists of a primary reflectographic screening to determine the type of the ink (soot, tannin or iron-gall) and a subsequent in-depth analysis using several spectroscopic techniques: X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Infrared and Raman spectroscopies. The first of them, XRF elemental analysis aims at establishing the unique fingerprints of inks containing metals or trace elements in carbon inks. In addition, we use Raman analysis to identify so-called mixed inks, an ink category that received little attention so far. Finally, with the help of IR spectroscopy we obtain information about the ink binders.
This work presents a technical investigation of two Chinese reverse glass paintings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A multi-analytical, non-invasive approach (X-ray fluorescence (XRF), diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), Raman spectroscopy) was used to identify the pigments and classify the binding media. The results reveal a combined use of traditional Chinese and imported European materials. Several pigments like cinnabar, lead white, orpiment, carbon black and copper-arsenic green (probably emerald green) were found in both paintings; red lead, artificial ultramarine blue, Prussian blue and ochre appear in at least one of the paintings. The proof of limewash (calcite and small amounts of portlandite) as a backing layer in Yingying and Hongniang indicates that clamshell white was also used for reverse glass paintings. Drying oil was classified as a binding media in most areas of both paintings. However, the orange background of The Archer yielded prominent bands of both proteinaceous and fatty binder.
A non-invasive methodological approach has been carried out to identify the pigments and classify the binding media of the reverse painting on glass Kreuzabnahme (1914/15) by Carlo Mense.
Mense was a member of the group Rhenish Expressionists around August Macke and got interested in the technique of painting on the reverse side of a glass panel. The studied painting indicates a remarkably painted reverse and front side, which creates a unique visual appearance of the glass. The applied noninvasive, spectroscopic approach includes X-ray fluorescence, VIS spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. The measurements revealed inorganic Pigments mixed with drying oil as binder. Together with common pigments, such as lead white, barium sulphate, bone black, cinnabar, chrome yellow, ochre, and viridian, an unusual additional material was found, Strontium white.