Nutrient cycling potential within microbial communities on culturally important stoneworks.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Geomicrobiology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Microbes on cultural heritage (CH) stoneworks tolerate extreme conditions.
• The functional roles of these pioneer microbial communities remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate bacterial and archaeal diversity and function in sandstone from Portchester Castle.
• To understand the role of these microbes in CH stonework biodeterioration.

Main Methods:

• 16S rRNA gene sequencing for diversity analysis.
• Functional gene analysis and RNA analysis to assess in situ activity.

Main Results:

• Distinct bacterial and archaeal communities were found in exfoliated versus dark encrustation sites.
• Detected genera are adapted to extreme environments and possess degradation abilities.
• Nitrogen, sulfur cycles, carbon fixation, and mineral transformation processes were reconstructed.
• RNA analysis confirmed the in situ activity of many microbial genera.

Conclusions:

• CH stoneworks host diverse, self-sustaining microbial ecosystems.
• These communities actively cycle carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur.
• Microbial diversity and internal recycling are crucial for development in harsh, low-energy environments and contribute to stone biodeterioration.