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Building materials are the major sources of Volatile and Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) in indoor air. Measurements of emission rates of these compounds are likely to be influenced by variation in certain environmental factors resulting in intra-specimen variability. This study aims to (i) evaluate the reproducibility of measurements between specimens and (ii) evaluate the impact of storage on VOC and SVOC emissions from antifungal acrylic paint (applied on polyester-cellulose). For this purpose, 15 discs of tested materials (1.63 ± 0.04 g) were prepared. From these, the emissions rates (ER) of 5 samples were analyzed simultaneously during three measurement campaigns (October 2021, January 2022 and March 2022). Between each campaign, specimens were stored in the dark at ambient temperature (25 ± 4 °C) and relative humidity (50 ± 20 %). Measurements were performed using the field and laboratory emission cell (FLEC) and characterized by gas chromatography (TD-GC-MS/FID) and liquid chromatography (HPLC). Intra-specimen reproducibility was assessed by comparing 5 ER of different specimens collected simultaneously. The impact of storage was evaluated by comparing the average VOC/SVOC ER between each campaign. The results show, concerning the reproducibility of the measurements, that the first measurement campaign provides ER with high variability (10-36 %) compared to the second and third measurement campaigns, which show lower intra-specimen variability (5-24 % and 8-20 % respectively). However, weakly emitted compounds (ER < 10 μg m -2 h -1 ) such as aromatics and aldehydes show large variabilities (6-100 % of variation) in all measurement campaigns. Regarding the effect of the 5-months storage a significant decrease in the ER of individual VOC/SVOCs (37-85 %) and of TVOCs (74 %) was noted, except for aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons, isopropylacetone and vinyl crotonate, which showed a stability or eventual increase (up to 100 %) in the ER over time, depending on the type of emitted compound., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Nouha ZINE-FILALI reports financial support was provided by French Environment and Energy Management Agency. Nouha ZINE-FILALI reports financial support was provided by Région Pays de La Loire. Nouha ZINE-FILALI reports a relationship with French Environment and Energy Management Agency that includes: employment., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Paint is a versatile material that can be used to coat surfaces for which routine disinfection practices may be lacking. EPA-registered copper-containing supplemental residual antimicrobial paints could be used to reduce the bioburden on often-neglected surfaces. An interventional study was conducted by painting the walls of a preschool restroom and metal locker surfaces in two hospital locker rooms with a copper-containing antimicrobial paint to evaluate the potential for bioburden reduction compared to a non-copper-containing control paint. The antimicrobial paint reduced the bioburden on the preschool restroom walls by 57% and on lockers in one locker room by 63% compared to the control paint; no significant difference was observed between the two paint types in the second locker room. The upper quartile bacterial counts, which drive the overall risk by increasing exposure to pathogens, also exhibited 63% and 47% reductions for the antimicrobial paint compared to the control paint in the preschool restroom and the first locker room, respectively. Because detectible levels of bioburden are found on large-area surfaces such as walls and lockers, surfaces painted with copper-containing paints may make large-area surfaces that are prone to contamination safer in a way that is practical and economical., Competing Interests: The authors [JH, JK, AM, ML, AF, JL] are employees of Corning Incorporated. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials. Corning Incorporated has commercialized the copper-glass ceramic additive (Corning® Guardiant®) used in the antimicrobial paint reported., (Copyright: © 2024 Hiras et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

The main sources of lead exposure for children occur in the home environment, yet no low-cost analytical methods exist to screen homes for lead hazards. Previously, an inexpensive (~$20), quantitative lead screening kit was developed in which residents collect soil, paint, and dust samples that are returned to a laboratory for lead analysis using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). This screening kit was initially validated in 2020; it was determined that in situ and ex situ XRF lead measurements on the same samples exhibited strong sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. As a follow-up to the initial validation, an implementation study and further statistical analyses were conducted. Correlation analysis using the results from nearly 400 screening kits identified an overall lack of correlation between sample types, reinforcing the utility of all eight sample locations. Principal component analysis searched for underlying correlations in sample types and provided evidence that both interior and exterior paint are major sources of lead hazards for Indiana homes. The implementation study compared the results of the government-standard lead inspection and risk assessment (LIRA) and the lead screening kit in 107 Indiana homes. In the United States, the LIRA is a thorough inspection of paint, dust, and soil that is usually state mandated in response to a child's elevated blood level and is used to identify where remediation efforts should be focused. The lead screening kit and LIRA agreed on the presence of lead in 79 of the 107 homes tested (74%). Discrepancies in agreement are likely the result of differences in the sample location and number of samples collected by each method. Overall, these results suggest that the lead screening kit is an acceptable resource that could be used to expand the services health departments provide for lead prevention. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1504-1513. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)., (© 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).)

Abstract Abstract Guard Dog II (1969–1970) by Jean Dubuffet is an artwork that shows the characteristics of the artist's l'hourloupe period (1962–1974). This study revealed the materials and manufacturing techniques used by the artist at the time through material analysis of Guard Dog II, and suggested an appropriate conservation treatment method for the work through a cleaning test. Dust, stains, discoloration, cracks, etc. were observed on the surface of the artwork and stains were particularly severe and discoloration required conservation treatment. Prior to treatment, multiple analytical approaches such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography/mass spectrometer were applied to identify the materials of the paint layers and confirm the state of the conservation of the artworks. As a result, it was confirmed that polyurethane paint was used in the artwork, and the pigment used for each color was also identified. For the stable conservation treatment of the artwork, the chromaticity, glossiness and workability of the cleaning materials were evaluated, and it was found that isopropyl alcohol and nonionic surfactant were suitable for cleaning. The conservation treatment was performed based on results from the cleaning test, and the artwork was restored cleanly. Since most of the existing research on cleaning methods has been focused on painting, this study contributes to the conservation of sculptures by suggesting cleaning methods suitable for three-dimensional colored objects. Article highlights The materials and production techniques used in Jean Dubuffet, Guard Dog II were confirmed. As cleaning materials for deteriorated artworks, isopropyl alcohol and non-ionic surfactants are effective. Hydrogels are not suitable for this work due to the type and characteristics of the gels.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analyses of species present in marine environments is the most effective biological diversity measurement tool currently available. eDNA sampling methods are an intrinsically important part of the eDNA biodiversity analysis process. Identification and development of eDNA sampling methods that are as rapid, affordable, versatile and practical as possible will improve rates of detection of marine species. Optimal outcomes of eDNA biodiversity surveys come from studies employing high levels of sampling replication, so any methods that make sampling faster and cheaper will improve scientific outcomes. eDNA sampling methods that can be applied more widely will also enable sampling from a greater range of marine surface micro-habitats, resulting in detection of a wider range of organisms. In this study, we compared diversity detection by several methods for sampling eDNA from submerged marine surfaces: polyurethane foam, nylon swabs, microfibre paint rollers, and sediment scoops. All of the methods produced a diverse range of species identifications, with >250 multicellular species represented by eDNA at the study site. We found that widely-available small paint rollers were an effective, readily available and affordable method for sampling eDNA from underwater marine surfaces. This approach enables the sampling of marine eDNA using extended poles, or potentially by remotely operated vehicles, where surface sampling by hand is impractical., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Michael Marnane reports a relationship with Chevron Energy Technology Co that includes: employment. Euan S Harvey reports a relationship with Chevron Energy Technology Co that includes: funding grants. Jason B Alexander reports financial support, article publishing charges, equipment, drugs, or supplies, and writing assistance were provided by Chevron Energy Technology Co. Travis Elsdon reports a relationship with Chevron Energy Technology Co that includes: employment. Sherralee S Lukehurst reports a relationship with BHP Group Ltd. that includes: funding grants. Simon Jarman reports a relationship with Chevron Energy Technology Co that includes: funding grants., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Marinas are central hubs of global maritime leisure and transport, yet their operations can deteriorate the environmental quality of sediments. In response, this study investigated the metal contamination history associated with antifouling paint uses in a sediment core collected from Bracuhy marina (Southeast Brazil). Analysis target major and trace elements (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd and Sn), rare earth elements (REEs), and Pb isotopes. The modification in Pb isotopic ratios and REEs pattern unequivocally revealed sediment provenance disruption following the marina construction. Metal distribution in the sediment core demonstrates that concentrations of Cu and Zn increased by up to 15 and 5 times, respectively, compared to the local background. This severe Cu and Zn contamination coincides with the onset of marina operations and can be attributed to the use of antifouling paints., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Lead (Pb) in house dust contributes significantly to blood lead levels (BLLs) in children which may result in dire health consequences. Assessment of house dust Pb in the United States, relationships with Pb in soil and paint, and residential factors influencing Pb concentrations are essential to probing drivers of house dust Pb exposure., Objective: Pb concentrations in vacuum-collected house dust are characterized across 346 homes participating in the American Health Homes Survey II (AHHS II), a US survey (2018-2019) evaluating residential Pb hazards. Connections between house dust Pb and soil Pb, paint Pb, and other residential factors are evaluated, and dust Pb concentration data are compared to paired loading data to understand Pb hazard standard implications., Results: Mean and median vacuum dust Pb concentrations were 124 µg Pb g -1 and 34 µg Pb g -1 , respectively. Vacuum-collected dust concentrations and dust wipe Pb loading rates were significantly correlated within homes (α < 0.001; r ≥ 0.4). At least one wipe sample exceeded current house dust Pb loading hazard standards (10 µg ft -2 or 100 µg Pb ft -2 for floors and windowsills, respectively) in 75 of 346 homes (22%). House dust Pb concentrations were correlated with soil Pb (r = 0.64) and Pb paint (r = 0.57). Soil Pb and paint Pb were also correlated (r = 0.6)., Impact: The AHHS II provides a window into the current state of Pb in and around residences. We evaluated the relationship between house dust Pb concentrations and two common residential Pb sources: soil and Pb-based paint. Here, we identify relationships between Pb concentrations from vacuum-collected dust and paired Pb wipe loading data, enabling dust Pb concentrations to be evaluated in the context of hazard standards. This relationship, along with direct ties to Pb in soil and interior/exterior paint, provides a comprehensive assessment of dust Pb for US homes, crucial for formulating effective strategies to mitigate Pb exposure risks in households., (© 2024. This is a U.S. Government work and not under copyright protection in the US; foreign copyright protection may apply.)

Tefillin are Jewish ritual artifacts consisting of leather cases, containing inscribed slips, which are affixed with leather straps to the body of the tefillin practitioner. According to current Jewish ritual law, the tefillin cases and straps are to be colored black. The present study examines seventeen ancient tefillin cases discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls in caves in the Judean Desert. All seventeen cases display grain surfaces with a very dark, nearly black appearance. We start with a hypothesis that the cases were intentionally colored black in antiquity using either a carbon-based or iron-gall-based paint or dye. The aim of this study is to test this hypothesis by subjecting these tefillin cases to a battery of examinations to assess the presence of carbon and iron used as pigments, and of organic materials which may have been used as binding agents in a paint. The tests deployed are: (1) macroscopic and microscopic analyses; (2) multispectral imaging using infrared wavelengths; (3) Raman spectroscopy; (4) Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); and (5) scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The results of these tests found no traces of carbon-based or iron-gall-based pigments, nor of organic compounds which may have served as binders in a paint. These results suggest that our posited hypothesis is unlikely. Instead, results of the SEM examination suggest it more likely that the black color on the surfaces of the tefillin cases is the result of natural degradation of the leather through gelatinization. The Judean Desert tefillin likely represent tefillin practices prior to when the rabbinic prescription on blackening tefillin was widely practiced. Our study suggests that the kind of non-blackened tefillin which the later rabbis rejected in their own times may well have been quite common in earlier times., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Adler et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Two distemper paint samples taken from decorative boards in Uvdal stave church, Norway, were analysed using palaeoproteomics, with an aim of identifying their binder and possible contaminants. The results point at the use of calfskin to produce hide glue as the original paint binder, and are consistent with the instructions of binder production and resource allocation in the historical records of Norway. Although we did not observe any evidence of prior restoration treatments using protein-based materials, we found abundant traces of human saliva proteins, as well as a few oats and barley peptides, likely deposited together on the boards during their discovery in the 1970s. This work illustrates the need to fully consider contamination sources in palaeoproteomics and to inform those working with such objects about the potential for their contamination., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Paint used to coat surfaces in aquatic environments often contain biocides to prevent biofouling, and as these coatings degrade, antifouling paint particles (APPs) end up in aquatic, and especially marine, sediments. However, it is currently unclear what further influence APPs in the sediment have on biotic communities or processes. This study investigates how a variety of commercially-available APPs effect the marine microbial community by spiking different laboratory-manufactured APPs to sediment. Following exposure for 30 and 60 days, APPs caused a clear and consistent effect on the bacterial community composition as determined by 16S metabarcoding. This effect was strongest between 0 and 30 days, but continues to a lesser extent between 30 and 60 days. APPs appear to inhibit the highly diverse, but in general rarer, fraction of the community and/or select for specific community members to become more dominant. 71 antifouling-presence and 454 antifouling-absence indicator taxa were identified by indicator analysis. The difference in the level of classification in these two indicator groups was highly significant, with the antifouling-presence indicators having much higher percentage sequence identity to cultured taxa, while the antifouling-absence indicators appear to be made up of undescribed taxa, which may indicate that APPs act as a proxy for general anthropogenic influence or that APP contamination selects for taxa capable of being cultured. Given the clear and consistent effect APPs have on the surrounding sediment microbial community, further research into how APPs affect sediment functional processes and how such effects scale with concentration is recommended to better assess the wider consequences of these pollutants for marine biogeochemical cycles in the future. SYNOPSIS: Microplastic-paint particles are commonly found in marine sediment but little is known about how these, especially antifouling, paint particles affect sediment microbial communities. This study demonstrates that antifouling paint particles fundamentally alter sediment microbial communities., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Polysaccharide-based materials of plant origin are known to have been used as binding media in paint and ground layers of artifacts from ancient Egypt, including wall paintings, cartonnages and sarcophagi. The use of gums from Acacia , Astragalus and Prunus genera has been suggested in the literature on the basis of their qualitative or quantitative monosaccharide profile after complete chemical hydrolysis. The introduction of partial enzymatic digestion of the polysaccharide material, followed by analysis of the released oligosaccharides by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry, has proved effective in discriminating among gums from different genera, as well as among species within the Acacia genus. In this study, the previously built Acacia database was expanded, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to aid in grouping of the samples, and data interpretation was refined following a modified acacieae taxonomy. Application of the analytical strategy to investigate the paint binders in artworks from ancient Egypt allowed qualitative discrimination of gums at a species level, and provided new insights into the artists' material choices.

Pigments Checker is a collection of swatches of historical pigments that offers art professionals, conservation scientists, conservators and fine art photographers, a tool to evaluate and test their imaging and spectroscopic methodologies for pigment identification. "Pigments Checker Free Spectra Database" is an ongoing project that wants to thoroughly characterize each pigment in the collection with a series of spectroscopic and imaging techniques and to make the data open access. This paper presents the free and downloadable database of XRF spectra, adding to the reflectance spectral database already published. The XRF analysis is in agreement with the information provided by the pigments' manufacturers since all of the pigments have XRF spectra consistent with the expected elemental content reported in literature. In addition to elemental characterization by XRF, future analysis with Raman, FT-IR and XRD will be pursued in order to achieve a broader characterization of the pigments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Housing-based lead paint dust is the most common source of lead exposure for US-born children. Although year of housing construction is a critical indicator of the lead hazard to US children, not all housing of the same age poses the same risk to children. Additional information about housing condition is required to differentiate the housing-based lead risk at the parcel level. This study aimed to identify and assess a method for gathering and using observations of exterior housing conditions to identify active housing-based lead hazards at the parcel level. We used a dataset of pediatric blood lead observations (sample years 2000-2013, ages 6-72 months, n = 6,589) to assess associations between observations of exterior housing conditions and housing-based lead risk. We used graphical and Lasso regression methods to estimate the likelihood of an elevated blood lead observation (≥3.5 μg/dL). Our methods estimate a monotonic increase in the likelihood of an elevated blood lead observation as housing conditions deteriorate with the largest changes associated with homes in the greatest disrepair. Additionally we estimate that age of home construction works in consort with housing conditions to amplify risks among those houses built before 1952. Our analysis indicates that a survey of external housing conditions can be used in combination with age of housing in the identification process, at the parcel level, of homes that pose a housing-based lead hazard to children., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Lead chromate was commonly employed as a pigment in coloured road markings until restrictions led to the development of safer alternatives. In this study, the presence and concentrations of Pb and Cr have been determined in 236 road paints of various colours sampled from streets, highways, footways and carparks from eleven European countries. According to energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, Pb was detected (>10 mg kg -1 ) in 148 samples at concentrations up to 17.2% by weight, and above 1000 mg kg -1 yellow was the dominant paint colour. Lead concentrations on an area basis varied from 0.02 to 8.46 mg cm -2 and the metal was located at different depths amongst the samples, suggesting that formulations had been painted both recently and historically (and overpainted). Chromium was detected (>5 to 50 mg kg -1 ) in 81 samples at concentrations between 20 and 20,000 mg kg -1 and most often in yellow paints, and concentrations co-varied with those of Pb. These observations, and results of scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, suggested that heterogeneously dispersed PbCrO 4 was the dominant, but not the only, Pb-based pigment in the samples. Although there were significant international differences in frequency of Pb detection and median Pb concentrations, overall, and despite various, albeit complex, regulations, recent or extant road paint pigmented with Pb and Cr remains a pervasive environmental problem and a potential health risk in many European countries., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry has been used to measure lead (Pb) in painted surfaces and indoor dusts from 14 rented properties in the city of Plymouth, UK. Lead was detected in 78 out of 164 surfaces measured (and in 69 out of 150 interior surfaces) with an overall median concentration of 7100 mg kg -1 (range from 157 to 139,000 mg kg -1 ), and was detected in all but two properties that included one building constructed within the last 25 years. Selected measurements on an area basis (n = 48) returned Pb concentrations ranging from below 0.01 to 16.1 mg cm -2 that were significantly correlated with concentrations on a mass basis but with scatter that was attributed to the degree to which leaded paint had been overpainted. As potential measures of Pb exposure, mean concentrations in samples of lint (n = 8) were <15 mg kg -1 while mean concentrations in hoovered dusts (n = 14) were more variable; specifically, mean Pb dust concentrations ranged from ∼20 to 140 mg kg -1 in 13 samples but was ∼4500 mg kg -1 in a property that had recently undergone extensive renovation. Although mean concentrations of Pb in lint or dust were not related to median Pb concentrations in paint, a strong correlation between barium (Ba) and Pb in dusts suggests that paint is the main source of dust Pb. This study indicates that, in most cases, leaded paints historically applied to interior surfaces have been over-coated and pose little risk, provided that surface coatings are in good condition. However, inappropriate practices during renovation can result in significant contamination of dusts. Our findings are likely to be more broadly applicable to the urban rented sector in the UK and landlords and tenants should, therefore, be made aware of government guidance on the safe decoration or remodelling of older properties where leaded paint is pervasive., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Automotive paint is one of the most important evidence in solving vehicle-related criminal cases. It contains the critical information about the suspected vehicle, providing essential clues for the investigation. In this study, a novel approach based on optical coherence tomography combined with multivariate statistical methods was proposed to facilitate rapid, accurate and nondestructive identification of different brands of automotive paints. 164 automotive paint samples from 8 different manufacturers were analyzed by a spectral-domain optical coherence tomography system (SD-OCT). Two-dimensional cross-sectional OCT images and three-dimensional OCT reconstruction of vehicle paints of different paints were obtained to show the internal structural differences. Visual discrimination of A-scan data after registration and averaging processing was first used to distinguish different samples. An scanning electron microscope was utilized to obtain the cross-sectional image of the sample to evaluate the effectiveness of OCT technique. Then the original A-scan data, first derivative data and second derivative data of 136 paints with four layers from 7 different manufacturers were collected. Multivariate statistical methods, including principal component analysis (PCA), multi-layer perceptron (MLP), k-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm and Bayes discriminant analysis (BDA), were used to analyze different datasets. The results show the hybrid PCA and BDA model based on the first derivative OCT data achieved the best result of 100% accuracy on the testing dataset for identifying automotive paints. It is demonstrated that the OCT technique combined with multivariate statistics could be a promising method for identifying the automotive paints rapidly and accurately., (© 2022 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.)

ATR-FTIR (attenuated total reflection-Fourier-transform infrared) microscopy with imaging is widely used in the heritage field to characterise complex compositions of paint cross-sections. However, some limitations include the need for ATR crystal contact with the sample and the inability to resolve particle size below the IR diffraction limit. Recently, a novel O-PTIR (optical-photothermal infrared) spectroscopy technique claimed to open a new avenue for non-invasive, efficient, and reliable analysis at sub-micron resolution. O-PTIR produces transmission-like FTIR spectra for interpretation, without the need to touch the sample, which are highly favourable attributes for analysing heritage samples. This paper reports the comparison of O-PTIR and ATR-FTIR techniques applied to a cross-section embedding a thin paint fragment that delaminated from a late 19th to early 20th-century oil portrait. The hazy paint fragment consisted of zinc soaps (both crystalline and amorphous), gordaite (NaZn 4 Cl(OH) 6 SO 4 ·6H 2 O), and zinc lactate, that could not all be well-resolved with ATR-FTIR imaging. With O-PTIR analysis, the degradation compounds could be resolved at sub-micron resolution with an equivalent or better signal-to-noise ratio. This case study shows how the two techniques can be used to obtain comprehensive information at a broad level with ATR-FTIR and a detailed level with O-PTIR.

Background: Lead paint remains a major potential source of lead poisoning globally, but there has been no documentation on lead content in solvent paints available on the markets in Zimbabwe and Botswana., Aim: To determine the lead content of solvent-based paints available on the market in Zimbabwe and Botswana and identify a need for a larger study to inform policy., Methods: This pilot study was conducted in Harare, Zimbabwe, and Gaborone, Botswana. Popular brands of solvent-based household paints were bought from hardware shops in Harare (10 samples) and Gaborone (19 samples). Samples were analysed for lead content using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry., Results: Seventy percent of samples from Zimbabwe were found to contain lead above 90 parts per million (ppm), the recommended regulatory limit, with ranges from less than 60 ppm to 12 000 ppm. Twenty percent of Zimbabwean samples had lead levels above 10 000 ppm. No samples from Botswana had lead concentration above the detection limit, with all levels below 100 ppm., Lesson Learnt: Data strongly suggest very high lead content in popular brands of solvent paints in Zimbabwe, indicating a need for a larger, well-designed study for policy direction.

This paper contributes to current debates on the technologies and practices of prehistoric artists using the rock art site of el Carche (Jalance, Spain) as a case study. The site preserves both Levantine and Schematic paintings, yet poorly understood from an analytical point of view. In the past, it has even been argued how little differentiation there is between these two post-Paleolithic traditions in terms of paint composition. Our aim with this paper was to identify pigments, paint recipes and technologies and decipher the order of the superimpositions, both between Levantine motifs of different styles, and between these and the Schematic ones. To do so, we adopted a multi-stage and multi-technical analytical strategy, trying to find a balance between sound scientific investigation and impact on the art, considering the irreplaceable nature of this World Heritage rock art. As such, our approach begins with in situ non-invasive investigations using portable EDXRF, to then collect micro-samples for non-destructive analyses by means of Optical Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), micro-Raman Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). One of the key highlights of these paper is the identification of up to four different paint compositions, produced with various hematite-based raw materials and different processing techniques. This variability had not been previously documented. Interestingly though, no direct correlations appear to exist between styles or sub-styles and recipes. Some of these paint mixtures were even shared by both traditions. These results are discussed in cultural terms, challenging previous interpretations suggesting a similar pigment composition between Levantine and Schematic art. Microstratigraphic analysis of the cross-sections only partially clarified the overlapping sequence unveiling the complexity of these analysis. They also revealed several degradation layers and external crusts related to rock alteration processes and biological formations. Their role in rock art conservation is also discussed., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

An archaeological excavation in Prostějov (Czech Republic) revealed a workshop of a local potter with colourless, pink, and blue powders presumably used to produce faience/surface decoration. A comprehensive analytical study, which combined elemental and molecular analysis techniques, was performed to shed light on the chemical composition of these unique findings. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM EDX), inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS), flow injection analysis (FIA) with electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI MS), laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry (LDI MS), and Raman spectroscopy were applied to reveal the elemental composition of the powders and identify the colouring agents in the pink and blue powders. The colouring agents in the pink powder were probably iron and the agent in the blue powder is Prussian blue. On top of that, it was also possible to determine the organic additives in these powders through pyrolysis gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (Py GC/MS), atmospheric solids analysis probe ion mobility mass spectrometry (ASAP IM MS), and LDI MS. The organic constituents were identified as plant resin, beeswax, and fats. These results point to the preparation of faience/pigment mixtures as oil paint.

Butanol is a common organic solvent used in latex paint, and one of its isomers, tert-butanol, is toxic and can cause potential harm to the human body. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop a qualitative and quantitative detection method for butanol isomers. In this study, we combined the advantages of rapid detection of proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) with the separation and qualitative capabilities of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to achieve the detection of isomers, building a fast gas chromatography proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (FastGC-PTR-MS) equipment. Firstly, the developed technology was optimized using standard samples of several common volatile organic compounds. The retention times of acetonitrile, acetone, and alcohols were less than 50 s, and the retention times of the benzene series were less than 110 s, on the premise that these isomers could be basically separated (resolution R > 1.0). Compared with a commercial GC-MS equipment, the detection times were shortened by 5-6 times and 2-4 times, respectively. Then the FastGC-PTR-MS was applied to detect the isomers of butanol in latex paint. The results showed that the headspace of brand D latex paint mainly contained five substances: tert-butanol, n-butanol, acetaldehyde, methanol, and acetone. Tert-butanol and n-butanol could be completely separated (R > 1.5). The concentration of tert-butanol was 4.41 ppmv, far below the 100 ppmv maximum allowable workplace concentration. The developed FastGC-PTR-MS can be used for rapid qualitative and quantitative detection of butanol isomers in latex paint. The new equipment has the potential to play an important role in indoor environmental safety applications., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Maintenance of maritime vessels includes the removal of paint from hulls that are sources of metals, antifouling paint particles (APPs) and microplastics (MPs) that end up in the coastal environment. Simon's Town is a small urban town in False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, where maritime activities take place (there is a naval harbour, marina and shipyard). The aim of this study was to measure metals, APPs and MPs in Simon's Town, to assess the impact of maritime activities and a storm water pipe in a sheltered marina. Sediment samples were collected from six sites during winter 2018. Sediment and extracted APPs were analysed for metal concentrations (Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sb, Sn, Sr, V and Zn) and MPs characterised based on type (shape and polymer), colour and size. Highest average metal concentrations in sediment for all sites were Fe (32228 ± SEM 4024), Al (12271 ± 1062) and Cu (1129 ± 407). Metals in paint particles were highest for Fe (80873 ± 19341), Cu (66762 ± 13082) and Zn (44910 ± 1400 µg/g). Metal and MP fragment concentrations were highest at the slipway of the shipyard, decreasing with increased distance from the slipway. MP filaments were highest close to the storm water outfall pipe. Our results suggest that shipyards are potential sources of metals and MP fragments (mainly APPs), with storm water pipes potential sources of MP filaments. Various indices applied to assess the potential impacts of metals and MPs suggest that these contaminants have the potential to adversely impact the intertidal ecosystem investigated., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

There is a considerable interest in developing new analytical tools to fight the illicit trafficking of heritage goods and particularly of easel paintings, whose high market values attract an ever-increasing volume of criminal activities. The objective is to combat the illicit traffic of smuggled or forged paintworks and to prevent the acquisition of fakes or looted artefacts in public collections. Authentication can be addressed using various investigation techniques, such as absolute dating, materials characterization, alteration phenomena, etc.; for paintings this remains a challenging task due to the complexity of the materials (paint layers, ground, varnish, canvas, etc.) and preferable use of non-destructive methods. This paper outlines results from concerted action on detecting forged works of art within the framework of a Coordinated Research Project of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) called Enhancing Nuclear Analytical Techniques to Meet the Needs of Forensic Sciences 1 . One of the main objectives is to foster the use of emerging Nuclear Analytical Techniques (NAT) using particle accelerators for authentication of paintings, with potential application to other forensics domains, by highlighting their ability to determine painting authenticity and to track restorations or anachronistic clues. The various materials comprising a test painting were investigated using an array of NAT. Binder, canvas and support were directly dated by 14 C using Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (14C-AMS); binder and pigments' molecular composition was determined using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry with MeV ions (MeV-SIMS); paint layer composition and stratigraphy were accurately determined using Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) and differential Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE); and pigment spatial distributions were mapped using full-field PIXE. High resolution Optical Photothermal Infrared Spectroscopy (O-PTIR) molecular imaging was also exploited. Obtained results are presented and discussed. It is shown that the combination of the above-mentioned techniques allowed reconstructing the history of the test painting., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Undertaking the conservation of artworks informed by the results of molecular analyses has gained growing importance over the last decades, and today it can take advantage of state-of-the-art analytical techniques, such as mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Protein-based binders are among the most common organic materials used in artworks, having been used in their production for centuries. However, the applications of proteomics to these materials are still limited. In this work, a palaeoproteomic workflow was successfully tested on paint reconstructions, and subsequently applied to micro-samples from a 15th-century panel painting, attributed to the workshop of Sandro Botticelli. This method allowed the confident identification of the protein-based binders and their biological origin, as well as the discrimination of the binder used in the ground and paint layers of the painting. These results show that the approach is accurate, highly sensitive, and broadly applicable in the cultural heritage field, due to the limited amount of starting material required. Accordingly, a set of guidelines are suggested, covering the main steps of the data analysis and interpretation of protein sequencing results, optimised for artworks., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Antifouling paints incorporate biocides in their composition seeking to avoid or minimize the settlement and growing of undesirable fouling organisms. Therefore, biocides are released into the aquatic environments also affecting several nontarget organisms and, thus, compromising ecosystems. Despite global efforts to investigate the environmental occurrence and toxicity of biocides currently used in antifouling paints, the specific active ingredients that have been used in commercial products are poorly known. Thus, the present study assessed the frequencies of occurrence and relative concentrations of biocides in antifouling paint formulations registered for marketing worldwide. The main data were obtained from databases of governmental agencies, business associations, and safety data sheets from paint manufacturers around the world. The results pointed out for 25 active ingredients currently used as biocides, where up to six biocides have been simultaneously used in the examined formulations. Cuprous oxide, copper pyrithione, zinc pyrithione, zineb, DCOIT, and cuprous thiocyanate were the most frequent ones, with mean relative concentrations of 35.9 ± 12.8%, 2.9 ± 1.6%, 4.0 ± 5.3%, 5.4 ± 2.0%, 1.9 ± 1.9%, and 18.1 ± 8.0% (w/w) of respective biocide present in the antifouling paint formulations. Surprisingly, antifouling paints containing TBT as an active ingredient are still being registered for commercialization nowadays. These results can be applied as a proxy of biocides that are possibly being used by antifouling systems and, consequently, released into the aquatic environment, which can help to prioritize the active ingredients that should be addressed in future studies., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

A broadband collision-induced dissociation (bbCID) fragmentation mode was proposed for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric targeted analysis of tryptic peptides obtained from proteins in samples of decoration paint coating. In this approach, a mass spectrometric dataset contains the information on the parent and all fragment ions. This maintains a balance between the quantity of simultaneously acquired data and the sensitivity of the method, which is beneficial under coupling with analytical chromatography. In this study, characteristic peptides were selected for casein, ovalbumin, and collagen, which are the most commonly used binder proteins in the artworks. A simplified sample preparation protocol including only protein extraction and trypsinization was tested and successfully implemented. The combination of analytical chromatography with bbCID MS technique is a lower cost alternative to the use of high-end nano-LC-MS approaches in the investigation of cultural heritage objects of regional or local importance, e.g., prior to and/or during restoration works. It was demonstrated that, for the paint coating samples, the required level of sensitivity could be acquired through the data-independent MS/MS strategy. The proposed approach was tested on a sample obtained during the restoration work at the Gromov cottage in the Lopukhin Garden (middle of the XIX century). As a result, the main protein component, collagen, was identified using 6 characteristic peptides, which may indicate the use of gelatin-based glue. For instance, the identification of the peptide GVQGPPoxGPAGPR of the incoming collagen composition α-1 was undertaken by three parameters: m/z of the precursor ion of 553.2910, m/z of the fragment ion y9 of 821.4238, and retention time of 1.9 min., (© 2021. Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Rock art originated some 46,000 years ago and can provide unique insights into the minds of our human ancestors. However, dating of these ancient images, especially of petroglyphs, remains a challenge. In this study, we explore the potential of deriving age estimates from measurements of the areal densities of manganese (DMn) and iron (DFe) in the rock varnish on petroglyphs, based on the concept that the amount of varnish that has regrown on a petroglyph since its creation, relative to the surrounding intact varnish, is a measure of its age. We measured DMn and DFe by portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) on dated Late Pleistocene and Holocene rock surfaces, from which we derived accumulation rates of Mn and Fe in the rock varnish. The observed rates were comparable to our previous findings on basalt surfaces in North America. We derived age estimates for the rock art at four sites in the northern Great Basin region of North America based on DMn measurements on the petroglyphs and intact varnish. They suggest that rock art creation in this region began around the Pleistocene/Holocene transition and continued into the Historic Period, encompassing a wide range of styles and motifs. Evidence of reworking of the rock art at various times by Indigenous people speaks of the continued agency of these images through the millennia. Our results are in good agreement with chronologies based on archeological and other archaeometric techniques. While our method remains subject to significant uncertainty with regard to the absolute ages of individual images, it provides the unique opportunity to obtain age estimates for large ensembles of images without the need for destructive sampling., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Paint technology, namely paint preparation and application procedures, is an important aspect of painting traditions. With the expansion of archaeometric studies and in situ non-destructive analytical methods, a renewal of technological studies is being observed in rock art. In situ analyses have several limitations that are widely discussed in the literature, however. It is not yet clear whether they provide accurate information on paint technology, except under certain conditions. Here, we evaluated digital microscopic and pXRF in situ analyses for the characterisation of a large set of red and yellow paintings from the El Castillo cave, Cantabria, Spain. We have set experiments and used statistical methods to identify differences between paint components and determine factors impacting pXRF measurements. We found that the compositional heterogeneity of the paintings' environment, especially variations in secondary deposits, was responsible for most of the differences observed between the pXRF signals recorded on the paintings. We concluded that the El Castillo cave environment is not suitable for non-destructive technological studies, but that more favourable contexts might exist. Following previous works and our own results, we advocate a combination of both in situ and laboratory invasive analyses for the study of paint composition and paint technology. Our research protocol, based on the comparison of rock paintings, their substrate, experimental paintings and Fe-normalisation of the signals can improve the reliability of pXRF results. We also propose to include more systematic characterisation of rock wall heterogeneity and the use of microscopic analyses in non-destructive approaches., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Isothiazolinones, a family of biocides, are used as preservatives for their fungicidal, bactericidal, and algacidal properties. These compounds can be found in a wide range of consumer and building products, such as paints, varnishes, shampoos, and liquid detergents. A robust analytical UPLC-MS/MS method to identify and quantify seven isothiazolinones (MIT, CMI, BIT, MBIT, BBIT, OIT, and DCOIT) in consumer products and their emissions was developed and validated according to ISO/IEC 17025. The limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 0.14 μg L -1 (BIT) to 0.54 μg L -1 (CMI). The method was applied for the quantification of the seven isothiazolinones in four types of consumer products (i.e., cosmetics, air fresheners, cleaning products, and building products) and the indoor emissions from a paint. Matrix effects were observed for the shampoo (63-74%), the shower gel (67-84%), and the ceramic glass cleaner (53-57%). All isothiazolinones indicated by the manufacturer (i.e., MIT, CMI, BIT, OIT, and DCOIT) were detected in the products and successfully quantified by the UPLC-MS/MS method., (© 2021. Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

When dealing with complex crimes such as rape and assault, every trace takes on an essential role. The hands are often the only means of defence and offence for the victim as well as a frequent area of contact with the environment; fingernails of a victim are a well-known possible source of DNA of the aggressor; nevertheless, they are more rarely treated as an area of interest for non-genetic material, particularly on living victims. The hyponychium, because of its physiological protective function, lends itself ideally to retaining different kinds of traces representative of an environment or various products and substrates that could shed light on the environment and objects involved in the event. We therefore tested how far this capability of the hyponychium could go by simulating the dynamics of contamination of the nail through scratching on different substrates (brick and mortar, painted wood, ivy leaves, cotton and woollen fabric, soil) and persistence of any contaminant at different time intervals. We have thus shown how these traces may remain in the living for up to 24 h after the event using inexpensive and non-destructive techniques such as the episcopic and optical microscope., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature.)

In cultural heritage, several initiatives are promoted to transfer the green chemistry in replacing traditional and toxic methods and products, and in ensuring safety of both artworks and restorers during cleaning operations. This study is aimed to establish the validity of new green solvents to replace toxic solvents, commonly used, to remove old paint varnishes. In particular, the research is focused on the use of acetals to remove old varnishes paintings. The acetals are common functional groups in natural products which are generated by reactions between alcohols and aldehydes. The tests were performed on four different resins (DAMAR, RETOUCHER, PVA and PMMA). Several samples were prepared to reproduce the common stratigraphy succession of the oil painting. The performances of the solvents were monitored by visible light/UV light, photography and optical microscopy, spectro-colorimetric analysis. Then, FTIR spectra of the cleaned surface have been acquired to detect the residues after cleaning.

Heavy metals are the harmful elements, regarded as carcinogens. Nevertheless, owing to their physical and chemical properties, they are still used in the production of several commercial products. Utilization of such products increases the chance for the exposure of heavy metals, some of them are categorized as probable human carcinogens (Group 1) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Exposure of heavy metals to school children at early age can result severe life time health issues and high chance of emerging cancer. Thus, we have performed study relating to the presence of heavy metals in acrylic color paints commonly used by the school children. Acrylic paints of different colors were assayed for seven potential heavy metals manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) using microwave digestion and iCAPQ inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) system. The optimized method including paints digestion reagents nitric acid (HNO 3 , 65%, 5 mL) and hydrofluoric acid (HF, 40%, 2 mL) have offered excellent method performance with recovery values ranged between 99.33% and 105.67%. The elements were identified in all of the analyzed samples with concentrations ranged from 0.05 to 372.59 µg/g. Cd constitutes the lower percentage (0.05%), whereas Zn constitutes high ratio contribution which was tremendously high (68.33%). Besides, the paints contamination was also color specific, with considerably total heavy metal concentrations found in brunt umber (526.57 µg/g) while scarlet color (12.62 µg/g) contained lower amounts. The outcomes of our investigation highlight the necessity for guidelines addressing the heavy metals in acrylic color paints intended for the school children usage.

Purpose: Limited number of studies investigated the effects of Electrostatic powder paints (EPP) on human health. We investigated the effects of EPP exposure on lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life, and the factors determining exercise capacity in EPP workers., Methods: Fifty-four male EPP workers and 54 age-matched healthy male individuals (control group) were included. Lung function and respiratory muscle strength were measured. The lower limit of normal (LLN) cut-points for FEV 1 and FEV 1 /FVC were calculated. An EPT was used to evaluate bronchial hyperactivity. The handgrip and quadriceps muscle strength were evaluated using a hand-held dynamometer. An ISWT was used to determine exercise capacity. The physical activity level was questioned using the IPAQ. The SGRQ and NHP were used to assessing respiratory specific and general quality of life, respectively., Results: Duration of work, FEV 1 , MIP, handgrip strength, and ISWT distance were significantly lower, and the change in FEV 1 after EPT and %HRmax were significantly higher in the EPP group compared to the control group ( p  < 0.05). There were no subjects with a < LLN for FEV 1 and FEV 1 /FVC in both groups. In the EPP group, ISWT distance was significantly related to age, height, duration of work, FEV 1 , change in FEV 1 after EPT, MIP, MEP, handgrip strength, IPAQ, SGRQ, and NHP total scores ( p  < 0.05). The change in FEV 1 after EPT, MIP, and duration of work explained % 62 of the variance in the ISWT distance ( p  < 0.001)., Conclusions: Changes in lung function based on LLN for the FEV 1 and FEV 1 /FVC were not clinically relevant in EPP workers. Exercise capacity is impaired in EPP workers. Degree of exercise-induced bronchospasm, inspiratory muscle strength, and duration of work are the determinants of exercise capacity in EPP workers.

During conservation of the painted ceiling decoration of Lin'xi Pavilion in the Forbidden City, two distinct paint campaigns were isolated as a unique case study into architectural paint materials during both the Ming and Qing dynasties. Paint samples and cross sections from both paint generations were analyzed with SEM-EDX, time of flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), XRD, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopies. Similar organic and inorganic materials characteristic of these time periods were identified. The pigments of interest found in both paint generations were botallackite and atacamite polymorphs. This suggests a shift from natural mineral sources to synthetic copper-based pigments for these larger architectural projects.

In South Korea, the gradual increase in particulate matter generation has received significant attention from central and local governments. Exhaust gas, which contains nitrogen oxides (NO x ), is one of the main sources of particulate matter. In this study, the reduction of NO x using a coating material mixed with a titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) photocatalyst was demonstrated. The NO x reduction performance of the TiO 2 photocatalyst-infused coating was evaluated by applying the ISO 22197-1: 2007 standard. Subsequently, the performance was evaluated by changing the NO gas concentration and ultraviolet (UV)-A irradiance under standard experimental conditions. It was determined that NO x reduction can be achieved even if the NO gas concentration and UV-A irradiance are lower than those under the standard conditions when the TiO 2 photocatalyst-infused coating was used. This study revealed that NO x reduction can be realized through TiO 2 photocatalyst-infused coating in winter or cloudy days with a low solar altitude. It was also confirmed that compared with the UV-A irradiance, the NO gas concentration has a greater effect on the NO x reduction performance of the TiO 2 photocatalyst-infused coating. These findings can be used to evaluate a variety of construction materials with TiO 2 photocatalysts in the future.

A novel strategy based on in situ dual-enzyme digestion of paint layer proteinaceous binders is introduced for faster and more confident identification, resulting in a bottom-up proteomics approach by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS). In situ sampling/extraction of proteinaceous binders using small pieces of a hydrophilic gel, previously loaded with trypsin and chymotrypsin proteolytic enzymes, was successfully exploited. Along with minimal invasiveness, the synergy of both enzymes was very useful to increase the number of annotated peptide peaks with their corresponding amino acid sequence by database search and subsequent MALDI-TOF/TOF analysis. The protocol was initially aimed at enhancing the identification of egg-based binders and then validated on fresh and aged model pictorial layers; an increased protein coverage was significantly attained regardless of the used painting binders. Optical microscope images and spectrophotocolorimetry analysis evidenced that the painting layers were not damaged or altered because of contact/sampling without leaving hydrogel residues. The proposed protocol was successfully applied on a painted altarpiece "Assumption of the Virgin" dated to the XVI century and on an angel statue of the Nativity crib dated to the XII century, both from Altamura's Cathedral (Apulia, Italy). The occurrence of various protein binders of animal origin was easily and reliably ascertained.

Proteomic approaches based on mass spectrometry have become increasingly popular for protein binder's identification in works of art. The identification of the binder employed may offer key information on paintings and other polychrome objects and contribute to assess their historical and technical context, also providing useful hints for a proper restoration and/or conservation treatment. Usually, the protocols employed to this purpose are invasive and at least micro sampling is required. Here, we present a simple transferable method for a quasi-non-invasive analysis of binders in artworks based on the use of a very small poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)/poly (vinylpyrrolidone) hydrogel (3 mm × 3 mm) previously loaded with trypsin for the in-situ digestion of proteins and applied onto the objects' surface. Upon extraction of digested peptides from the hydrogel, they were examined by MALDI-TOF-MS and/or LC-ESI-MS/MS. The method was validated on fresh and aged model pictorial layers; optical microscope images, and spectrophotocolorimetry confirmed that neither damage nor color alteration of the painting layer occurred, and no hydrogel residue was left. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy carried out on paint models confirmed that the treatment with trypsin-loaded gels did not modify the pigment composition, even on aged samples. The protocol was successfully applied to a painting on wood mockup aged thirty years, a statue dated XV century exposed in San Lorenzo church (Bisceglie, Bari, Apulia), and a liturgical scroll Benedictio ignis et fontis (Benedizionale) of the Museo Diocesano of Bari dated eleventh century; in all these objects the proteinaceous binder was readily and successfully identified., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict-of-interest., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Spray paint exhaust gas contains recalcitrant volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX). Treating BTX with a biofilter often achieves unsatisfactory results because the biofilter lacks efficient microbial community. In this work, three strains for BTX degradation were isolated and identified as Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis by using 16S rRNA sequencing technology. A consortium of highly efficient microbial community was then constructed on a stable biofilm to treat BTX in a biofilter. A relatively suitable ratio of P. putida, B. cereus and B. subtilis was obtained. An efficiency of over 90% was achieved in the biofilter with VOC concentration of 1000 mg/m 3 through inoculation with the microbial community after only 10 days of operation. Thus, fast start-up of the biofilter was realised. Analysis of intermediate products by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry indicated that BTX was degraded into short-chain aldehydes or acids via ring opening reactions.

In this study, we investigated biodeterioration of materials used in tempera painting by analyzing the structure of the microbiome in ancient tempera paintings exhibited in State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, Russia. Samples were obtained from 16th-century paintings, including a grand Russian Orthodox icon "The Church Militant" (all exhibits were without visible signs of biodeterioration), and from surrounding walls and ceilings (with vast zones of visible microbial growth). A number of microorganisms isolated from visible signs of environmental bio-damage were also detected in tempera paintings kept in temperature- and humidity-controlled conditions unfavorable for the growth of microflora. To determine the biodegrading potential of the microbiome for tempera paintings, we developed a set of mock layers from paintwork materials used in tempera painting of 16th century and their modern analogues and inoculated them with cultures containing filamentous fungi and bacteria. The susceptibility to microbial degradation of individual tempera painting materials was examined by micro-Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, which enabled detection of even invisible signs of biodeterioration. The results indicate that the microorganisms isolated from paintings and surrounding areas in the museum are capable of causing significant damage of various tempera materials, among which varnishes were the most resistant; however, the addition of antiseptic (sodium pentachlorophenolate) can inhibit microbial growth on sturgeon glue., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Tributyltin is an organotin chemical that has been commonly used in ship antifouling paints. Despite the global total prohibition of tributyltin-based paint in 2008, tributyltin continues to be found at toxic levels in areas of high maritime traffic such as ports and harbors. A remediation program was conducted at a New Zealand port to reduce tributyltin and copper concentrations to acceptable values. The present study assessed the efficacy of the program using a combination of chemical analyses and copepod bioassays. Sediment and water samples were collected at 3 locations along a spatial gradient within the port, and concentrations of various organotin compounds and trace metal levels were measured pre- and postremediation. The toxicity of sediment and elutriate samples was estimated by benthic and pelagic copepod bioassays. Although acute toxicity in sediment samples was reduced following remediation, reproductive success was still affected for the benthic copepod. This approach combining chemical analysis and bioassays is promising for assessing the efficacy of remediation processes at contaminated marine sites. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:492-499. © 2019 SETAC., (© 2019 SETAC.)

Fouling organisms attach and grow on submerged surfaces causing several economic losses. Thus, biocides have been introduced in antifouling paints in order to avoid this phenomenon, but their widespread use became a global problem, mainly in ports, leisure and fishing boat harbors, since these substances can be highly toxic to non-target organisms. The occurrence and environmental behavior of antifouling biocides are especially unknown in some peculiar regions, such as Amazon areas. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate, for the first time, levels and the partitioning behavior of the antifouling organic biocides irgarol, diuron and also stable degradation products of dichlofluanid and diuron (DMSA and DCPMU, respectively) in sediments and porewaters from a high boat traffic area located in the Northeast of Brazil, a pre-Amazon region. Our results showed high concentrations of irgarol (<1.0-89.7 μg kg -1 ) and diuron (<5.0-55.2 μg kg -1 ) in sediments. In porewater, DCPMU (<0.03-0.67 μg L -1 ) and DMSA (<0.008-0.263 μg L -1 ) were the mainly substances detected. High K d and K oc obtained for both irgarol and diuron showed a partitioning preference in the solid phase. This work represents one of the few registers of contamination by antifouling substances in Amazonian areas, despite their environmental relevance., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Previous studies have shown the effect of surface coatings on biofouling; however, they did not take into account the interaction of the micro and macrofouling communities, the effect of substrate orientation and the zooplankton-zoobenthic coupling together. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Zn- and Cu 2 O-based coatings on micro and macrofouling on steel surfaces, while also observing the role of substrate orientation and zooplankton supply. An experiment was carried out in the Patos Lagoon Estuary in southern Brazil for three months between spring and summer, where ASTM-36 steel plates represented different coatings (Zn- and/or Cu 2 O-based) and orientations (vertical and horizontal). To assess the zooplankton supply, sampling was carried out weekly using a 200 μm plankton net. Zn-based coating positively affected microfouling density compared to uncoated surfaces. The same pattern was observed with macrofouling, associated with vagile fauna preference, which represented 70% of the settled macrofoulers. Cu 2 O-based antifouling painted surfaces showed the highest microfouling density inhibition, while Zn + Cu 2 O-based coating did not affect the bacteria adhesion but showed lower density compared to Zn-based coating alone. The coatings combination showed the highest invertebrate inhibition. In this way, the macrofouling community was more sensitive than microfouling was to the antifouling coatings tested. The substrate orientation only affected macrofouling, horizontal surfaces being more attractive than vertical. Meroplankton, tychoplankton and holoplankton were recorded on the surfaces, although their representation in plankton was not proportional to the recruits recorded on the substrates. This was probably due to fast dispersion, the interactions of other factors and/or ecological succession stage. Surface coating, substrate orientation, and zooplankton supply interacted with the biofouling process on steel in different ways depending on the organism evaluated. Therefore, copper oxide- and zinc-based coatings were not suitable as coatings to avoid the total biofouling establishment., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Alternatives assessment (AA) is intended to identify safer and more sustainable approaches for managing chemicals used in industrial applications and consumer products and to avoid the adoption of regrettable substitutions. In the United States, the state of Washington prescribes a science-based approach for conducting an AA that meets regulatory requirements. This paper provides an overview of the approach, based on the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse (IC2) AA Guide, and illustrates its application to the examination of suitable alternatives to Cu-based antifouling coatings commonly used for recreational boats in the Pacific Northwest. Legislation has been passed in Washington State that will ban the use of certain Cu-based products in both freshwater and marine environments. The AA approach was used to identify and evaluate several alternatives to Cu-based antifouling boat paint products. Five promising practices that AA practitioners should consider when using the IC2 AA Guide in similar assessments of alternatives to industrial practices and consumer products include actively engaging stakeholders, enhancing the decision framework using a selection guide approach, scoping alternatives broadly, optimizing ingredient transparency, and identifying data gaps that could interfere with substitution efforts. The role AA plays in driving consumer product and similar technology innovations and its implications for the future are discussed. Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:1-13. © 2019 SETAC., (© 2019 SETAC.)

The painting "Donna Nuda" by Leonardo was acquired by Catherine II (the Great) from the R. Walpole collection, Houghton Hall, England, in 1779 for the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. By exploiting the EVA film technology (ethylene vinyl acetate polymer embedded with strong cation and anion exchangers and with C 8 and/or C 18 resins) we have explored the surface of the painting in order to ascertain the techniques used in its drawing. Five EVA films were affixed on the body and on the landscape for 60 min. Upon elution from the recovered films, the harvested material was analyzed by gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry as well as by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. "Tempera grassa" (consisting of linseed oil admixed with egg yolk) was used in the entire painting. The surface was then protected by a layer of conifer resin. It is hypothesized that access to the layer underneath the protective layer was obtained via micro-cracks on the conifer resin itself. Rosemary oil was used as diluent to slow down the drying process and so to perform the glazing technique, thus obtaining the "aerial perspective" in correspondence of the landscape. To our reckoning, this is the first time in which a Leonardo painting is analyzed in depth but also in which his artistic technique is deciphered via modern techniques for exploring Cultural Heritage. The EVA film technology might be used for ascertaining the authenticity of paintings and uncover frauds. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Leonardo da Vinci was the most famous Italian polymath of the Renaissance and one of the most important innovators of his time. He was the author of several important artworks such as "La Gioconda", but he also painted the "Donna Nuda" conserved at the Hermitage Museum. Although some attempts permitted the identification of part of the materials used by Leonardo, to date no analytical investigations were able to fully characterize and decipher the recipes. We explored the surface of the "Donna Nuda" painting through a non-invasive approach that uses a functionalized film to adsorb nano-scopic amounts of materials that were then analyzed by mass spectrometry. This method has the potential to revolutionize the approaches used to analyze cultural heritage., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)