[Colonization and destruction of concrete by mitosporic fungi in model experiment]

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Concrete degradation is a significant issue in infrastructure.
• Microbial influence on building materials is increasingly recognized.
• Fungal colonization can lead to structural weakening and aesthetic damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of specific microscopic fungi on concrete.
• To analyze the colonization patterns and destructive effects of fungi on concrete surfaces.
• To understand the biogeochemical transformations caused by fungal activity on concrete.

Main Methods:

• Model system experiments with concrete specimens.
• Exposure of concrete to selected fungal genera (Aspergillus, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Paecilomyces) for one year.
• Analysis of fungal colonization, surface changes, and elemental leaching.

Main Results:

• Fungi successfully colonized concrete surfaces over a year, causing destructive changes.
• Granite-filled sections of concrete resisted fungal colonization.
• Fungi leached concrete elements, accumulating them and forming calcium oxalate crystals on the surface.

Conclusions:

• Microscopic fungi pose a threat to concrete durability.
• Granite inclusions can inhibit fungal growth on concrete.
• Fungal activity results in concrete element leaching and calcium oxalate biomineralization.