Metals distributions within black crusts sampled on the facade of an historical monument: The case study of the Cathedral of Monza (Milan, Italy)

Abstract

This research deals with the characterization of black crusts collected from Dome of Monza. Black crusts (BC) can be formed as a result of different chemical and physical reactions between the stone surface and environmental factors (such as gaseous pollutants, aerosol particulate matter and its specific chemical constituents-the carbonaceous fraction and the metals); therefore, they are considered as a passive sampler of pollutants. The specific focus of the current work is the study of the metals and their distribution within the samples. To characterize BC, several techniques were used such as: HRSEM-EDX, IC and LA-ICP/MS. This integrated approach allowed us to gain information about the mineralogical phases and the elements within the crusts giving the possibility to identify the pollution sources causing the stone decay, as well as the variability in composition depending on the exposure of the analysed surfaces.