Microbial Studies to Evaluate Bio-Deterioration of Oil Painting on Masonite board and it's Conservation

In this study, we investigated the microbial community (bacteria and fungi) colonizing an oil painting on Masonite board, which showed visible signs of bio-deterioration. For the study, Microbiological samples were taken from deteriorated oil paintings of KK Habbar made on Mesonite board. The results showed that various fungal and bacterial species were isolated from the objects. These isolated micro species were studied to measure their ability in degrading cellulose, gelatin, linseed oil and the varnish dammer. The effects of different concentration of biocides were studied. The results showed that all the tested and single biocide is sufficient to kill a number of fungal and bacterial species effectively.