Evaluating Biodeterioration Risks in a Collection of Contemporary Art Paintings: Environmental Assessment and Characterization of Fungal Communities

This study focused on the fungal community present on a collection of contemporary art paintings and assessed the potential risks they pose. The fungal load within the storage facilities was analyzed before and after implementing a dedicated room designed for improved conservation. Likewise, environmental variables were measured. Monthly air sampling revealed inadequate microbial air quality in the pavilion where the paintings were kept, with excessively high relative humidity levels and frequent oscillations. However, post-renovation, the microbial air quality improved significantly due to enhanced isolation and better control of environmental parameters. In both outdoor and indoor environments, the dominant identified fungi were Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria, with three of these genera also detected on the paintings. This suggests that the majority of fungi present originated from external spore infiltration. Surface sampling of the paintings showed fewer fungal colonies compared to other inert storage surfaces, although some paintings did exhibit visible colonies. Microscopic examination of surfaces and cross-sections revealed no immediate serious damage, but the potential for long-term fungal growth was identified as a threat to the paintings. Effective isolation and environmental regulation were deemed crucial for mitigating fungal risks and preserving the collection.