Article

Algal and cyanobacterial biofilms on calcareous historic buildings.

CPG Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology/Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Goncales 9500, Porto Alegre-RS, CEP 91501-970, Brasil.
Current Microbiology (impact factor: 1.82). 03/2003; 46(2):79-82. DOI:10.1007/s00284-002-3815-5 pp.79-82
Source: PubMed

ABSTRACT Major microorganisms in biofilms on external surfaces of historic buildings are algae, cyanobacteria, bacteria, and fungi. Their growth causes discoloration and degradation. We compared the phototrophs on cement-based renderings and limestone substrates at 14 historic locations (47 sites sampled) in Europe and Latin America. Most biofilms contained both cyanobacteria and algae. Single-celled and colonial cyanobacteria frequently constituted the major phototroph biomass on limestone monuments (32 sites sampled). Greater numbers of phototrophs, and especially of algae and of filamentous morphotypes, were found on cement-based renderings (15 sites), probably owing to the porosity and small pore size of the latter substrates, allowing greater entry and retention of water. All phototrophic groups were more frequent on Latin American than on European buildings (20 and 27 sites, respectively), with cyanobacteria and filamentous phototrophs showing the greatest differences. The results confirm the influence of both climate and substrate on phototroph colonization of historic buildings.

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    Article: Epilithic and endolithic bacterial communities in limestone from a Maya archaeological site.
    Christopher J McNamara, Thomas D Perry, Kristen A Bearce, Guillermo Hernandez-Duque, Ralph Mitchell
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    ABSTRACT: Biodeterioration of archaeological sites and historic buildings is a major concern for conservators, archaeologists, and scientists involved in preservation of the world's cultural heritage. The Maya archaeological sites in southern Mexico, some of the most important cultural artifacts in the Western Hemisphere, are constructed of limestone. High temperature and humidity have resulted in substantial microbial growth on stone surfaces at many of the sites. Despite the porous nature of limestone and the common occurrence of endolithic microorganisms in many habitats, little is known about the microbial flora living inside the stone. We found a large endolithic bacterial community in limestone from the interior of the Maya archaeological site Ek' Balam. Analysis of 16S rDNA clones demonstrated disparate communities (endolithic: >80% Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Low GC Firmicutes; epilithic: >50% Proteobacteria). The presence of differing epilithic and endolithic bacterial communities may be a significant factor for conservation of stone cultural heritage materials and quantitative prediction of carbonate weathering.
    Microbial Ecology 01/2006; 51(1):51-64. · 2.91 Impact Factor
Data provided are for informational purposes only. Although carefully collected, accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The impact factor represents a rough estimation of the journal's impact factor and does not reflect the actual current impact factor. Publisher conditions are provided by RoMEO. Differing provisions from the publisher's actual policy or licence agreement may be applicable.

Keywords

14 historic locations
 
32 sites sampled
 
47 sites sampled
 
cement-based renderings
 
colonial cyanobacteria
 
cyanobacteria
 
degradation
 
European buildings
 
external surfaces
 
filamentous phototrophs
 
greater entry
 
Greater numbers
 
greatest differences
 
growth causes discoloration
 
historic buildings
 
Major microorganisms
 
major phototroph biomass
 
phototrophic groups
 
phototrophs
 
small pore size