“KultBaMikroo” Project: Preliminary Research on the Presence, Diversity, and Dynamics of Cellulolytic Fungi in the Air in the State Archive Building in Zadar

Abstract

The presented methodology and preliminary results are part of the research in the interdisciplinary modular pilot project “Protection of Zadar’s Cultural Heritage from the Negative Impact of Microorganisms” (KultBaMikroo), financed by the University of Zadar (IP.01.2021.12). The modular project is designed so that it can be carried out through several modules, whereby the types of cultural heritage artefacts on which the research is based can be changed with each module. The goal is to prevent book damage related to storage conditions and to provide guidelines for conservation and restoration. Moreover, as it is known that exposure to fungi is dangerous for human health, attention will be paid to the protection of employees and visitors on the premises where the research is carried out. The following modules are to addressed the issue of protecting paintings and immovable cultural heritage. In this first module, research was conducted at the premises of the State Archive in Zadar, which is a project partner, and at the Chapter Library of the Zadar Archdiocese. This overview includes only the preliminary results of the research conducted at the State Archive in Zadar, one of the most important archives in Croatia.