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Fungal bioturbation paths in a compact disk
J Garcia-Guinea1, V Cárdenes, A T Martínez
1Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, C/Jose Gutierrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain. guinea@mncn.csic.es
Abstract:
We report here on bioturbation traces, with micro-dendrite textures, composed of a mixture of altered aluminum and polycarbonate, which have been developed in a common compact disk (CD), destroying information pits. Fungal hyphae proliferated in these deteriorated zones, and Geotrichum-type fungus was isolated from surface-sterilized CD fragments. The severe biodeterioration described is attributed to the slow growth of this arthroconidial fungus on the CD material in the tropical indoor environment of Belize, Central America (approximately 30 degrees C, approximately 90% humidity).
Insights
Fungal growth on compact disks (CDs) caused bioturbation, creating micro-dendrite textures and destroying data pits. This biodeterioration was linked to Geotrichum fungus in a humid, tropical environment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Compact disks (CDs) are composed of polycarbonate and aluminum layers.
- Biodeterioration of digital media is an emerging concern.
- Tropical environments with high humidity and temperature can accelerate material degradation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of severe biodeterioration observed on compact disks.
- To identify the microorganisms responsible for damaging CD material.
- To characterize the physical and textural changes in the affected CDs.
Main Methods:
- Observation of bioturbation traces and micro-dendrite textures on damaged CDs.
- Isolation and identification of fungal species from CD fragments.
- Microscopic examination of fungal hyphae proliferation within the CD material.
- Analysis of CD material composition (aluminum and polycarbonate).
Main Results:
- Bioturbation traces with micro-dendrite textures were found on CDs.
- Fungal hyphae were observed proliferating in deteriorated zones.
- A Geotrichum-type fungus was successfully isolated from surface-sterilized CD fragments.
- The observed biodeterioration is attributed to the slow growth of this fungus.
Conclusions:
- Geotrichum fungus can cause significant biodeterioration of compact disk material.
- The degradation process involves the destruction of information pits due to fungal activity.
- Tropical indoor conditions (high temperature and humidity) likely facilitate this fungal growth and material decay.