The effect of uric acid on outdoor copper and bronze

Bernardi, E., Bowden, D. J., Brimblecombe, P., Kenneally, H. and Morselli, L. (2009) The effect of uric acid on outdoor copper and bronze. Science of the Total Environment, 407 (7). pp. 2383-2389. ISSN 1879-1026

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Abstract

Bird droppings are often quoted as a decay agent for outdoor goods, in particular buildings and statues. Undoubtedly, they represent one of the major causes of aesthetic damage on outdoor materials, but the real chemical damage they are able to induce, in particular on metals, is not so well studied. This work focused on the short term role of uric acid, the main constituent of bird urine, with respect to copper, which make such an important contribution to architectural elements of buildings and outdoor sculpture. Preliminary results of laboratory tests and analyses on real exposed samples showed that uric acid chemically affects copper and bronzes: the surface of the metal is modified and copper urates formed. Also natural patina, formed on statues and roof, react with uric acid, even if it seems to afford some protection toward bird droppings. In general, experimental results confirm that the potential chemical damage by bird droppings is significant when considering external cultural heritage such as statues, metal monuments and buildings with historic copper roofs.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Acknowledgements: Heidi Kenneally was supported by the Nuffield Science Bursaries scheme and we appreciated the help of Jayne Foster and Helen Sayer in administering this through SETPOINT Norfolk Education Business Exchange Ltd. Elena Bernardi was supported by the “Programma Marco Polo” Servizio Europeo AlmaUE — Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna.
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Environmental Sciences
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Centre for Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (former - to 2017)
Depositing User:	Rosie Cullington
Date Deposited:	22 Feb 2011 15:22
Last Modified:	24 Sep 2024 09:20
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/24462
DOI:	10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.12.014

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