A study on microclimatic parameters and conservation state: the case of wall paints of the Archeological Site of Baia (Italy)

The present study investigated the correlation between the degradation processes of cultural heritage and environmental parameters. The case study of this research was a semi-underground room (ninphaeum), decorated with marine motifs, dating back to the third century, painted with frescos technique of third century. This site, also indicated as SB-E0-R07, is located in the northern area of the Mercury sector of the archaeological park of Baia, in Italy; the nearby nymphaeum, 10 meters away, was also investigated to highlight any correlations between the two rooms. The main diagnostic techniques used to investigate the environmental parameters were Ion Chromatography (for the chemical characterisation of deposits) and Thermography, alongside other investigations based on knowledge of the original materials of the artefacts and biodeteriogens (here not discussed). The data obtained showed that the underground environment, which also has rising brackish water, was affected by the presence of biodeterogens whose distribution and growth is strongly favoured by the environmental parameters above all as well as by the substrate. All the data were then cross-referenced to obtain a complete knowledge of the conservation frameworks of the environments, essential for identifying the most compatible and effective restoration methodologies to be applied in the conservation of the SB-E0-R07 environment. © 2023 IMEKO TC TC4. All rights reserved.