Microbial induced corrosion of metallic antiquities and works of art: a critical review

Metallic antiquities and works of art are no exception to the phenomenon of microbial corrosion. Thus, all those which are buried, sunk or poorly conserved are susceptible to microbial corrosion. Although the last few decades have seen a marked development in the study of microbial corrosion of metals in industrial use, the same cannot be said for metallic antiquities and works of art. This work reviews the practical cases published, historical materials affected, and the micro-organisms involved and their mechanisms of action. Despite the great social importance of recovering these metallic cultural properties, and conserving them in a good state, there is a lack of documentation and of research groups dedicated to their study. The bringing together of researchers in works of art, microbiology and corrosion in metallic materials is shown to be necessary.