Validation of passive samplers for monitoring of acetic and formic acid in museum environments

Abstract

Acetic acid and formic acid are volatile pollutants leading to degradation of some heritage materials. They are usually determined in museum environments with various types of passive samplers. In this work, SKC UMEx 200 passive samplers, originally intended for sampling of $$\hbox {NO}_{2}$$ NO 2 and $$\hbox {SO}_{2}$$ SO 2 , have been validated for sampling of these organic acids. The sampling rates, extraction efficiency, loss through reverse diffusion or during storage, capacity, and detection limits were determined for both acids. For laboratory exposure, a known concentration of both acids was prepared in a flow-through reactor system at controlled temperature and humidity, the samplers were extracted, followed by analysis using ion chromatography. The sampling rates were determined to be 16.7 ml/min for acetic and 17.7 ml/min for formic acid and the detection limits for 7-day exposure were determined to be $${2.1}\,{\upmu }{\rm g/m}^3$$ 2.1 μ g / m 3 for acetic and $${1.9}\,{\upmu }\hbox {g/m}^3$$ 1.9 μ g/m 3 for formic acid. The validated method was finally used for sampling of air in two case studies at the National Museum of Slovenia, where the concentrations in the range of 2–$${54}\,{\upmu }\hbox {g/m}^3$$ 54 μ g/m 3 were determined.

Evaluation of Chemical and Morphological Properties of Spruce Wood Stored in the Natural Environment

“…The formation of organic acids is observed primarily in museum exhibits made of wood. These acids emitted from wood have a corrosive effect on exposed exhibits [ 66 , 67 , 68 ]. The study by Barbero-López et al [ 69 ] examines the in vitro antifungal and wood preservative activities of acetic, formic, and propionic acids against the wood decay fungi Coniophora puteana, Rhodonia (Poria) placenta , Gloeophyllum trabeum , and Trametes versicolor .…”

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Heritage Environments and Their Analysis: A Review

“…The sample, e.g., collected on SPME, is introduced directly, or else extracted first, e.g., from sorbent tubes, where extraction proceeds thermally with solvents. Liquid extracts can also be analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), commonly used for the analysis of aldehydes [108,109], or with ion chromatography (IC) for the analysis of low-molecular-weight acids, such as formic and acetic acid [110,111].…”

“…Several research studies have investigated the most common indoor volatiles and the associated risks to collections [4,111,114]. In addition, studies have shown that some toxic or otherwise hazardous compounds found in museum air can affect human health (depending on the exposure time, exposure level, concentration and the person's medical condition and age), which emphasizes the need to define limits for indoor pollutant concentrations in heritage environments [2,115].…”

Molecular Simulation Strategies for Understanding the Degradation Mechanisms of Acrylic Polymers

“…Preventive conservation of cultural heritage objects is the focus of recent studies resulting in the development of new materials to provide art objects with a protective layer against deterioration sources, such as ultraviolet (UV) light, oxygen, moisture, and corrosive agents. Moreover, these studies allow for the monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) connected to corrosion, cross-linking, or discoloration − of exposed artworks in museums and allow for the design of smart storage of museum artifacts, providing microclimate monitoring . In this context, it makes sense to focus on synthetic materials, specifically acrylic paints, because their stability and response to aging depend on various factors.…”