Zprávy památkové péče 2013, 73(6):536-542

The biological attack on stone statues and reliefs in Nový Les near Kuks and its possible suppression

Josef Halda, Petr Kotlík, Zdeněk Štaffen

This essay summarizes the basic conditions that invoke the danger of damage to stone objects by living organisms - sufficient nutrients, water, and light. Using the specific example of stone statues and reliefs in the Nový Les complex near Kuks, it is demonstrated how certain improper restoration attempts can support the effect of living organisms on stone, and what measures (restricting the supply of water, removing impurities, etc.) might limit the effects of algae, lichens, bryophytes, etc. to reduce damage to stone. The essay also provides brief information on a test verifying the biocidal efficacy of a nanodispersion of silver. Under given application conditions and the type of agent used, the protective effect was not observed, and the work summarizes the possible causes for the insufficient ability of "nanosilver" to kill algae, lichens, and mosses, even though the effect on algae has been proven in laboratory conditions and the bactericidal effect of silver has long been known and is utilized in, for example, medicine.

Keywords: Kuks; Nativity; stone; biodegradation; restoration

Published: December 1, 2013  Show citation