ABSTRACT
Chlorophyll fluorescence has been utilised to develop non-destructive test systems to study phototrophic microorganisms deteriorating works of art. Phototrophic microorganisms like microalgae, cyanobacteria and lichens, which develop easily on stone surface during suitable environmental conditions giving rise to coloured patinas and incrustations, represent one of the causes which contribute to stone decay. The use of non-destructive techniques that can be applied in situ, such as those based on chlorophyll fluorescence are particularly attractive for the monitoring of phototrophic communities. Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis is a rapid and non-invasive method that can evaluate changes occurred in phototrophic microorganisms before any other visible damage or other conventional measurements are assessed. The chapter summarizes the use of two different non-destructive and fast systems for the monitoring of phototrophic biodeteriogens, and the evaluation of the effectiveness of biocide treatments.
