ABSTRACT
Test restorations aim at the developing of test systems to visualize and monitor changes in microbial community structures caused by conservatory and biocide treatments of mural painting. Microbially induced or catalysed decay rates have drastically increased in the Industrial Age especially through inorganic and organic air pollution. They are most rapid in the case of rock art, prehistorical and historical mural paintings, and of antique marble buildings and statues. In addition a certain amount of air humidity is needed in order to maintain physical equilibrium in complex rock and mural painting systems. Research and discussion with restorers is needed on new and more efficient chemicals and treatment techniques. Many individual problems in application had to be overcome. Molecular markers for identification of damaging flores surviving biocidal treatments or re-establishing them after a certain period of time have been constructed.
