Particulate Matter in the libraries of the National Observatory of Athens and Moni Velanidias; application of SEM

Abstract

This thesis aims to study books as a passive filter in library environments. Libraries were built to house books, and sometimes books have been in collections long enough that they have a history of the particulate matter (PM) that has entered into the library. It makes sense to test the books when collecting PM data within a library. The PM data for this study was collected using passive paper-based filters in hopes of mimicking the collection rates a book would have, books being of a similar cellulose structure. The sampling occurred over the space of eleven days, with samples taken on day six and day eleven. Collections were made at the libraries at the National Observatory of Athens (NOA) and at Moni Velanidias. The analysis of the results was conducted through backscattering electron imaging through an SEM-EDS located at the campus of the University of the Peloponnese in Kalamata, Greece. The results showed various chemical elements, some that were expected such as aluminum silica and calcium, crustal elements. Other unexpected components such as barium and molybdenum were also found. Future studies carried out over more time would yield more accurate quantitative results.