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Microbial deterioration of stone monuments--an updated overview.
Stefanie Scheerer1, Otto Ortega-Morales, Christine Gaylarde
1Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3TL, United Kingdom.
Advances in Applied Microbiology
|February 11, 2009
Summary
Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi form biofilms on cultural heritage stone, causing discoloration and structural damage. Understanding these biodeterioration processes is key to conservation efforts.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Conservation Science
- Material Science
Background:
- Cultural heritage monuments face degradation from biological growth.
- Microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, archaea, algae, and lichens, form biofilms on stone surfaces.
- Both surface (epilithic) and internal (endolithic) microbial colonization contribute to stone biodeterioration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of microbial biofilms on cultural heritage stone.
- To discuss the mechanisms of biodeterioration caused by microorganisms.
- To highlight recent advancements in molecular biology for studying these processes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of microbial biofilms on historic buildings.
- Analysis of microbial communities (bacteria, fungi, archaea, algae, lichens).
- Investigation of endolithic and epilithic microbial interactions with stone.
Main Results:
- Biofilm formation by diverse microorganisms leads to aesthetic and structural damage of stone monuments.
- Endolithic bacteria, distinct from epilithic ones, are found within calcareous and siliceous stones.
- Stone substrate and environmental conditions significantly influence biofilm extent and biodeterioration rates.
Conclusions:
- Microbial biofilms pose a significant threat to the preservation of cultural heritage stone.
- Understanding microbial diversity and interactions is crucial for effective conservation strategies.
- Molecular biology offers innovative tools for studying and mitigating microbial biodeterioration.
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