Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2005, Textiles and Clothing

The research goals reported in this dissertation were twofold: to develop a protocol using non-destructive or minimally destructive methods to classify the colorants that were used prehistorically as inorganic/organic and pigment/dye, and to apply the protocol to selected textiles from Seip archaeological site, Ohio. The principle guiding the research was to adapt and sequence the analytical methods permitting the use of the smallest possible sample size which could still yield the most information. Through non-destructive forensic photography prior to any other analysis evidence for the chemical differences on the archaeological textiles resulting from the prehistoric colorant applications were revealed, which facilitated selective and purposive micro-sampling that maximized critical data acquisition while minimizing potential destruction of the artifact. Pretests on replicated materials were conducted first to assess feasibility and efficacy of selected analytical methods: photography in different lighting conditions (simulated daylight, infrared and ultraviolet), optical and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), and inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for elemental analysis. Differences in chemical signatures on painted replicas, otherwise invisible, were confirmed by forensic photography. While working with replicas, limitations of the analytical methods were discovered and addressed to adapt the methods for the use on archaeological materials. A specific sequence of modified methods, constituting the ideal protocol, was then applied to selected prehistoric textiles. Based on the visual examination, eleven textiles from the Hopewellian Seip Mound group were selected and divided into main colored groups: (1) yellow/brown, (2) turquoise/white, and (3) charred. Each of these groups was sampled based on the results of the photography; the turquoise/white group showed patterns otherwise invisible. Optical microscopy illu (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Kathryn Jakes (Advisor) Subjects:

Ph.D., Antioch University, 2012, Antioch New England: Environmental Studies

Oriental rugs contaminated with Category 3 floodwater potentially harbor environmental bacteria known to be human pathogens. River water inoculated with three species of gram positive and gram negative environmental bacteria (Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were used to assess the effectiveness of disinfectant type, cleaning methodology and drying practices by examining the survival rates of bacteria. Rug sections were immersed for one hour in contaminated water, saturated in one of three EPA registered disinfectant products (Phenol, Quaternary chloride, and Thyme oil) or tap water as a control, followed by cleaning and drying. The results showed that all disinfectants reduced the overall microbial load better than tap water. Two applications of disinfectants were slightly more effective than one application, which, in combination with drying in 24 hours or less, produced an effect that notably reduced microbial counts. These results provide in-plant rug cleaners the ability to assess the benefits of different products and drying procedures, and demonstrate significant reductions of potentially pathogenic bacteria in Oriental rugs contaminated with Category 3 water. Keywords bacteria, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Category 3 water, efficacy of cleaning and decontamination, contents remediation, microbial contamination, sewage, Oriental Rugs.

Committee: James Jordan PhD (Committee Chair); Alesia Maltz PhD (Committee Member); Eugene Cole DrPH (Committee Member) Subjects: Environmental Health; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Occupational Health; Textile Research