ArticlePDF Available

Algae and their biodegradation effects on building materials in the Ostrava industrial agglomeration

Authors:

Abstract and Figures

Microorganisms cause changes in the building stone, which reduce its usable life and reliability. Microalgae make important parts of the biodegradation consortia of microorganisms on the surface of building materials. Via their metabolites, microalgae affect the stability of mineral components and thus lead to the material destruction. The aim of the paper was to identify aerophytic microalgae on the surface of engineering structures in the Ostrava agglomeration, and to describe the basic interactions between such microorganisms and the building materials, which may lead to the destruction of the materials.
Content may be subject to copyright.
IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
PAPER • OPEN ACCESS
Algae and their biodegradation effects on building materials in the
Ostrava industrial agglomeration
To cite this article: H Vojtková 2017 IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 92 012073
View the article online for updates and enhancements.
This content was downloaded from IP address 154.16.18.159 on 03/11/2017 at 04:06
1
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence. Any further distribution
of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd
1234567890
1st International Conference on Advances in Environmental Engineering (AEE 2017) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 92 (2017) 012073 doi :10.1088/1755-1315/92/1/012073
Algae and their biodegradation effects on building materials
in the Ostrava industrial agglomeration
H Vojtková1
1VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava, Institute of Environmental Engineering,
Czech Republic
Email: hana.vojtkova@vsb.cz
Abstract. Microorganisms cause changes in the building stone, which reduce its usable life
and reliability. Microalgae make important parts of the biodegradation consortia of
microorganisms on the surface of building materials. Via their metabolites, microalgae affect
the stability of mineral components and thus lead to the material destruction. The aim of the
paper was to identify aerophytic microalgae on the surface of engineering structures in the
Ostrava agglomeration, and to describe the basic interactions between such microorganisms
and the building materials, which may lead to the destruction of the materials.
1. Introduction
The investigations of microflora abundant on the building materials show that microbial communities
of bacteria, algae, blue-green algae and microscopic fungi develop on the surfaces of structures, which
may form more complex consortia (biofilms) and form symbionts of higher orders (lichens). The
colonisation of structures by such organisms is in opposition with the human efforts to maintain
structures free of damage, either from the constructional or aesthetic point of view. It has been
established that the action of microorganisms with the building materials leads to biodeterioration
changes that reduce their lifespan and reliability [1,2].
Microalgae represent polyphyletic microorganisms that have adapted to wide spectra of the
environments, in which in dependence on various conditions these alter their morphology and
physiological strategy of survival. Despite the fact algae are primarily aquatic organisms, they have
managed to well adapt to terrestrial conditions, and nowadays are considered to be cosmopolitan
organisms as they colonise all types of environments [3]. The dominant percentage of aerophytic
species of microalgae belongs among Chlorophyta; the algae have adapted to grow in aerobic
conditions on the morphological as well as physiological levels [4]. Aerophytic algae are able to grow
in different environments, for example in sites with extreme pH values or temperatures algae have
been documented for their capacities to tolerate temperature changes in the range from 0 to 85 °C [5],
[6]. Urban agglomerations with built-up areas may be, to a certain extent, considered extreme
environments where algae find habitats with extreme temperature conditions resulting from large
artificial structures, especially in the summer. However, the pH value is also important for the
occurrence of algae on manmade structures. In dependence on the species, its optimal value may range
from 3.5 to 9 [7]. In general, algae find pH over 12 difficult to tolerate. In case of accelerated
carbonation of the building materials due to surplus of CO2 in the atmosphere, the pH value falls
below 9, and the onset of algae on the structure surface is very probable. As a result, green algae may
2
1234567890
1st International Conference on Advances in Environmental Engineering (AEE 2017) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 92 (2017) 012073 doi :10.1088/1755-1315/92/1/012073
be found particularly on older, wet facades with pH around 7, while cyanobacteria grow better on
alkaline surfaces.
The major danger for the building materials caused by the abundance of algae lies in their
photosynthetic production of carbon dioxide that chemically affects the components of the building
material. At increased amounts of aggressive carbon dioxide in the environment due to the industrial
emissions, CO2 reacts with calcium hydroxide from cement sealant under the formation of CaCO3 and
water; the action of water causes the dissolution of CaCO3 and in the reaction with other molecules,
CO2 forms hydrogencarbonate complexes [8]. It has been established that microalgae also produce
organic acids that disturb the building substrate and thus enable the development of other
microorganisms responsible for biodegradation bacteria and fungi. These are often sources of
changes in the aesthetic and mechanical properties of building materials. Algae as organisms that
combine water cause physical corrosion of such materials via penetrating into the porous systems of
building materials and contribute to the formation of micro-fissures. Under higher moistures,
microalgae increase their volumes and erode the surrounding material by swelling pressure. Along
with the impurities from the atmosphere in towns (soot, dust particles, microorganisms, etc.) they form
a mucous bio-layer of the material surface that further supports the retention of water. In addition,
algae may also participate in the formation of a crust as they produce the so-called extracellular
polymer substances (EPS), which have been identified on the surfaces of a range of urban structures
[9,10]. These substances significantly affect the physicochemical properties of materials, e.g. building
stone, and support the bacterial growth and activity leading to the release of inorganic substances
useful for organisms in the same environment.
2. Methods and experimental
The samples were repeatedly drawn using sterile Pasteur pipettes (Fisher Scientific Inc., USA) from
the surfaces of building materials of residential buildings within the City of Ostrava. The basic
identification and determination were made using an Olympus CX41 light microscope and expert
literature [11].
Table 1. Microalgae isolated of materials from building surfaces
Phylum Chlorophytae
* species name is currently accepted taxonomically [14]
Samples
1
3
4
Apatococcus lobatus (Chodat) Petersen
Chlorella vulgaris Beyerinck [Beijerinck]
+
+
+
Chlorococcum infusionum (Schrank) Meneghini
+
+
+
Cosmarium undulatum Corda ex Ralfs
+
Desmococcus vulgaris Brand
+
+
Klebsormidium flaccidum (Kützing) Silva, Mattox & Blackwell
+
Monoraphidium griffithii (Berkeley) Komárková-Legnerová
Pleurococcus vulgaris Meneghini
+
Protococcus nivalis (Bauer) Agardh
+
+
Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turpin) Brébisson
Scotiellopsis terrestris (Reisigl) Puncochárová & Kalina
Stichococcus bacillaris Nägeli
+
+
Trebouxia decolorans Ahmadjian
+
Trentepohlia umbrina (Kützing) Bornet
+
+
+
Ulothrix tenuissima Kützing
+
The samples come from the surface of the facades (plaster) of the panel buildings in the city districts
of Ostrava (Ostrava-Poruba, Ostrava-Zábřeh, Moravská Ostrava.) The monitored buildings underwent
revitalization in 2010-2012; within the framework of their modernization, the defects of the sealing
3
1234567890
1st International Conference on Advances in Environmental Engineering (AEE 2017) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 92 (2017) 012073 doi :10.1088/1755-1315/92/1/012073
between the panels were removed, the damage of the panel parts and the thermal insulation of the
perimeter skin was remedied. Although the external thermal insulating system (ETICS) with the use of
facade polystyrene, mineral fiber boards and plasters on based of silicates and acrylate, at present,
there is already an apparent growth of cyanobacteria and algae on the plaster of these buildings.
Algae microorganisms were identified using genomic DNA based on the DNA of a target DNA region
of 18S rRNA gene [12] using eukaryotic standard primers 20F (5’-GTAGTCATATGCTTGTCTC-3’)
and 18L (5’-CACCTACGGAAACCTTGTTACGACTT-3’); according to the methodology published
in Hamby et al. [13].
3. Results and Discussion
In the four samples of materials from building surfaces, there were identified 27 taxa, namely 8 taxa of
Cyanobacteria, 15 taxa of Chlorophyta, and 4 taxa of Chrysophyta. The green algae Chlorella
vulgaris, Chlorococcum infusionum and Trentepohlia umbrina were identified in all sampling sites
(table 1).
The genus Chlorella was the most widespread, occurring on all buildings reported, represented by
two subspecies and occurring on four different substrata.
The members of Chlorococcum genus were identified in all examined building substrata, including
the newly insulated concrete-panel houses. Other abundant algae were the representatives of
Stichococcus genus, and thus it may be assumed that Chlorella, Chlorococcum and Stichococcus are
green algae that colonise the buildings in the Ostrava Region the most. This is in agreement with
Ortega-Calvo et al. (1995), who state that the occurrences of Chlorella, Chlorococcus,
Klebsormidium, Pleurococcus and Trentepohlia (figure 1) may be observed in the monuments in
Europe, America and Asia, but due to their cosmopolitan distribution it is not possible to correlate the
genera and specific substrata or climates [15,16].
Figure 1. The progressive biodeterioration processes on the surface of building materials: algae
constitute the medium for the growth of fungi that pass through the building material by means of their
hyphae. The hyphae of microscopic fungi on the base comprising of Trentepohlia sp. algae (figure on
the left); the figure on the right shows the hyphae penetrating the eroded building material (SEM
coloured microphotography, photo by author).
Microalgae of the genera Chlorella and Trentepholia are also represented among the Chlorophyte
genera that colonise stone substrata in the Mediterranean Basin. The occurrence of Trebouxia and
Trentepohlia indicates that these microalgae may be involved in the lichenisation leading to
colonisation by lichens [17]. In fact, the genus Trebouxia occurs in approximately 20% of all lichens
and has rarely been found free-living. Regarding the endolithic growth of green algae, Trentepohlia,
Chorella and Klebsormidium, they were found growing in monuments of Portugal [18].
4
1234567890
1st International Conference on Advances in Environmental Engineering (AEE 2017) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 92 (2017) 012073 doi :10.1088/1755-1315/92/1/012073
Cryptoendolithic growth of Stichococcus bacillaris was also observed in granite of the Cathedral of
Toledo, Spain [19].
4. Conclusion
Microalgae make significant parts of the biodegradation microbial consortia on the surfaces of
building materials, which influence the stability of mineral components via their metabolites, and thus
reduce their lifespan and reliability. Among the major determinants of the type and extent of microbial
colonisation there are the mineral composition of the building substrata and their physicochemical
properties. Nevertheless, the surrounding atmosphere contains high amounts of pollutants of different
origins (especially air pollutants related to the industry and transport), which largely influence the
course of the biodegradation process. The investigations of the microflora on the surface of building
materials have shown that even in the conditions of industrial agglomeration communities of
aerophytic microorganisms thrive, particularly bacteria, algae, blue-green algae and microscopic fungi
that form biofilms and crusts on the surfaces.
In the environment of the Ostrava industrial agglomeration, there were identified microalgae on the
building material surfaces, among which the species Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorococcum infusionum,
Stichococcus bacillaris, Pleurococcus vulgaris and Trentepohlia umbrina may be considered to be
ubiquitous colonisators of building materials. The industrial environment of Ostrava City, with its
increased level of pollutants, is not a factor that determines algal growth on the structure surfaces. On
the contrary, it may be a factor inhibiting their diversity, which needs to be confirmed by further
expert studies.
Acknowledgments
This research was financially supported by Project for Specific University Research (SGS) No.
SP2017/8 from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic & Faculty of
Mining and Geology of VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava.
References
[1] Walters A H and Elphick J J 1968 Biodeterioration of Materials (London: Elsevier)
[2] Gaylarde C, Ribas Silva M and Warscheid T 2003 Mat. and Struc. 36 pp 342352
[3] Karsten U, Schumann R and Mostaert A 2007 Aeroterrestrial Algae Growing on Man-Made
Surfaces Alg. and Cyan. in Ext. Env. ed J Seckbach (Dordrecht: Springer) pp 583597
[4] Hoffmann L 1989 Bot. Rev. 55 pp 77105
[5] Tripathi S N, Tiwari B S and Talpasayi E R S 1990 Ener. and Build. 15 pp 499505
[6] Benson E, Harding K and Day J G 2007 Algae at Extreme Low Temperatures Alg. and Cyan. in
Ext. Env. ed J Seckbach (Dordrecht: Springer) pp 365383
[7] Seckbach J, Chapman D J, Garbary D, Oren A and Reisser W 2007 Algae and Cyanobacteria
Under Environmental Extremes Alg. and Cyan. in Ext. Env. ed J Seckbach (Dordrecht:
Springer) pp 781786
[8] Rovnaníková P, Rovnaník P and Křístek R 2004 Stavební chemie: Modul 3 Degradace
stavebních materiálů a chemie kovů (Brno: VUT FAST)
[9] Kiessl K 1989 Bauphysik 11 pp 4449
[10] El-Sheekh M M, Khairy H M and El-Shenody R 2012 Ira. J. of Env. Heal. Sci. & Eng. 9 10
[11] Poulíčková A and Jurčák J 2001 Malý obrazový atlas našich sinic a řas (Olomouc: UPa)
[12] Haddad R, Alemzadeh E, Ahmadi A R, Hosseini R and Moezzi M 2014 Ira. J. of Mic. 6 pp
437442
[13] Hamby R K, Sims L, Issel L and Zimmer E 1988 Pla. Mol. Bio. Rep. 6 pp 179197
[14] Guiry M D and Guiry G M 2017 AlgaeBase: World-wide electronic publication (Galway:
National University of Ireland) http://www.algaebase.org
[15] Scheerer S, OrtegaMorales O, Gaylarde CH 2009 Chapter 5 Microbial Deterioration of Stone
MonumentsAn Updated Overview Adv. in App. Mic. 66 pp 97139
5
1234567890
1st International Conference on Advances in Environmental Engineering (AEE 2017) IOP Publishing
IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 92 (2017) 012073 doi :10.1088/1755-1315/92/1/012073
[16] Macedo M F, Miller A Z, Dionísio A and Saiz-Jimenez C 2009 Microbiology 155 pp 347690
[17] Chapman R L and Waters D A 2002 Lichenization of the Trentepohliales Sym.: Mech. and
Mod. Sys. ed J Seckbach (Dordrecht: Springer) pp 359371
[18] Pereira de Oliveira B, Miller A, Sequeira Braga M A, Macedo M F, Dionisio A and Silveira T
2008 14th Int. Bio. and Bio. Sym. IBBS-14 (Messina: International Biodeterioration and
Biodegradation Society) p 72
[19] Ortega-Calvo J J, Ariño X, Hernandez-Marine M and Saiz-Jimenez C 1995 Sci. of The Tot. Env.
167, pp 329341
... The results in this work are focused on the predominant fungal strains, which were determined after visual identification using an atlas [7] and according to [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. The finding revealed that the most suitable method of sampling was the dry method for the evaluation of bacteria ( Figure 3). ...
... For 14 sampling points across the city of Košice, samples were inoculated on 84 Petri dishes with the appropriate medium (Sabouraud Dextrose Agar) for fungi and the results showed that the fungi grew on medium inoculated by each sampling method. According to visual identification by using atlas [4] and according to [5][6][7][8][9][10], the presence of fungi was confirmed predominantly by genus: Aspergillus, Botrytis, Cladosporium, Eutypella, Penicillium, Rhodotorula, Mucor. The predominant species of fungi were kept in preservation media for further research, which will focus on the resistance of waste-based cement pastes to a selected predominant microorganism. ...
Article
Full-text available
The aim of the present work is to provide an overview of the predominant microorganisms that effects structures of cementitious composites, which lead to biocorrosion, subsequently to the degradation of cementitious materials. Research is done by sampling of specimens taken from selected parts of the city of Košice. The sampling was mainly focused on insulated apartment panel buildings, part of the specimens was taken from uninsulated concrete and masonry plastered surfaces. Specimens were taken with sterile lab tubes, scalpels, and swabs by using dry, semi-dry and wet methods. The specimens were preserved in the cold place until their performance for the cultivation process. For cultivation purposes were important to prepare basal media for specimens of microorganisms and proceed isolation of cultures and their cultivation on appropriate media, identification of individual cultures. Data obtained after cultivation confirmed presence of predominant fungi genus such as Aspergillus , Botrytis, Cladosporium, Eutypella, Penicillium, Rhodotorula, Mucor , which create the ground for further research focused on the durability of cement paste based on secondary raw materials and their resistance against the predominant groups of microorganisms occurring in the objective location also by using extracts of several herbals as a prevention of microbial growth.
... Calcium carbonate precipitation has often been recorded in association with algal growth in caves and mural paintings threatened by calcite deposition [96]. Most phototrophs grow following the topology of the mineral surface layer, while others contribute to the formation of micro-fissures growing just below it or actively bore the mineral substrata [4,35,97]. This activity has been documented, for example, for Scytonema, where calcium carbonate deposition on cyanobacterial filaments has frequently been recorded at subterranean sites [2,33,35,36]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Like other hypogeal environments, the Roman Houses of the Caelian Hill are prone to unwanted biological growth. Wide conservative interventions have been carried out at the beginning of this millenium to reduce biodeterioration and physical–chemical damages. Retracing the last monitoring work, we assessed the site’s current state of conservation and biodeterioration intending to check the previous treatments’ effectiveness and deepen the common knowledge of the subterranean biota and their possible biodeteriogenic effects. Starting from the past test areas and the previous identifications of the occurring biodeteriogens, we further isolated and identified the main eubacterial, fungal, and phototrophic settlers, focusing on some detrimental traits for wall paintings (i.e., acid production and carbonate precipitation). The achieved results proved the success of the performed interventions in reducing the wall’s water content. Otherwise, the new conditions raise, in the long term, new concerns about lampenflora, carbonate precipitations, and salt efflorescence. Here, the Caelian Houses’ new status is documented. The possible favouring conditions for the different groups of biodeteriogens, along with the taxonomical novelties, additional risks tied to the anthropization of the resident culturable microbial community, and the possible relation between the black fungus Cyphellophora olivacea and roots, are reported and discussed.
... There are also papers available by authors who address the issue of harmful microorganisms as potential allergens that contribute to respiratory disease. However, current scientific evidence does not suggest that biotic infestation on ETICS composites is the primary factor leading to respiratory disease [82,83]. ...
Article
Full-text available
The future of panel housing estates is influenced by a number of factors. Although panel housing estates have seen their share of commentary and analysis from both supporters and de-tractors, there has been no comprehensive effort to explore the field of panel housing estates in terms of building thermal regeneration measures. This article focuses on the links between thermo-technical regeneration measures in panel housing estates, and the application of External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) and their impact on the urban environment of panel housing estates. The paper contains three main sections in which we (1) synthesize the literature, sources, building physics context, and assumptions for the occurrence of biodeterization in the facades of prefab residential housing located in housing estates; (2) compare the case studies and their results from the 2010–2021 field reconnaissance, in situ diagnostics, and laboratory analyses; and (3) identify/illustrate common features, the extent to which the quality of prefab residential housing located in housing estates with ETICS exterior surfaces is influenced by the environmental context, whereby we understand the whole process of the environmental assessment framework as an interrelated complexity of the interacting links between the environment, urban planning, architecture and construction sectors, supporting a holistic approach to the issue at hand. The results show that regeneration work, on the one hand, improves the urbanized environment and the energy potential of a housing estate; on the other hand, we encounter new manifestations of defects and disorders in the form of biodegradation of facades that we did not expect.
... The presence of cyanobacteria with hyaline or gelatinous envelopes likely favors the fixation to the substrate of the identified fungal and phototrophic microorganisms. Experimental studies indicate that Chroococcus sp. has a reasonably thick mucus layer that promotes the maintenance of Chlorophyta agglomerations such as Chlorella sp. and Stichococcus bacillaris in substrates of urban buildings and monuments (Gallego-Cartagena et al., 2020;Vojtková, 2017;Crispim et al., 2003;Gaylarde and Gaylarde, 2002). ...
Article
Full-text available
Over the last decades, the concern about air pollution has increased significantly, especially in urban areas. Active sampling of air pollutants requires specific instrumentation not always available in all the laboratories. Passive sampling has a lower cost than active alternatives but still requires efforts to cover extensive areas. The use of biological systems as passive samplers might be a solution that provides information about air pollution to assist decision-makers in environmental health and urban planning. This study aims to employ subaerial biofilms (SABs) growing naturally on façades of historical and recent constructions as natural passive biomonitors of atmospheric heavy metals pollution. Concretely, SABs spontaneously growing on constructions located in a tropical climate, like the one of the city of Barranquilla (Colombia), have been used as reference to develop the methodological approach here presented as an alternative to SABS grown under laboratory conditions. After a proper identification of the biocolonizers in the SAB through taxonomic and morphological observations, the study of the particulate matter accumulated on the SABs of five constructions was conducted under a multi-analytical approach based mainly on elemental imaging studies by Energy Dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectrometry techniques, trying to reduce the time needed and associated costs. This methodology allowed to discriminate metals that are part of the original structure of the SABs, from those coming from the anthropogenic emissions. The whole methodology applied assisted the identification of the main metallic particles that could be associated with nearby anthropogenic sources of emission such as Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni and Ti by SEM-EDS and by μ-EDXRF Ba, Sb, Sn, Cl and Br apart others; revealing that it could be used as a good alternative for a rapid screening of the atmospheric heavy metals pollution.
... Biodeteriogen, or an organism involved in biocorrosion, causes undesirable changes in cement composites with its metabolites. The main organisms involved in biocorrosion are especially microorganisms -cyanobacteria, algae, micromycetes and bacteria, but they can also be lower plants -lichens or bryophytes [2,3]. If the biodeteriogen damages composites with its metabolic products, it is dissimilation damage, while if the composite represents food for the biodeteriogen, it is assimilation damage [4]. ...
Conference Paper
Full-text available
Algae of the Pleurococcus, Trentepohlia and Stichococcus genera were selected for the experiment on the cement composites with total replacement of natural aggregates by recycled photovoltaic glass. The growth of the algae was monitored on cement beams with dimension 40 x 40 x 8 mm (length x width x height) and on the cement crumbling in various proportion. In the case of cement composites with recycled glass from photovoltaic panels, intensive growth was observed in the Trentepohlia genus from the Chlorophyceae class, while in the case of cement crumbling with recycled photovoltaic glass, the most obvious growth in biomass was recorded in the Pleurococcus genus; the Stichococcus and Trentepohlia genera showed minimal or zero growth. This minimal growth is mainly influenced by the pH value and the fact that biocorrosion is accompanied by the effect of symbiotizing microbiota, which mutually support each other, not just one species.
... According to the latest literature review, the biodegradation processes of various building materials are well-known as they have been studied intensively. A study of biodegradation was reported, e.g., by Vojtkova [21], who investigated algae growth and its effects on natural stones. Speaking of natural stones, microbial activities of bacteria, microalgae, cyanobacteria, and filamentous fungi on limestone were also studied, e.g., by Rosado [22]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Retrofitting of historical and traditional buildings is an effective thermal protection measure. The presence of thermal insulation in the composition of building envelopes might, however, bring some shortages due to a decrease of exterior surface temperatures or possible water vapor condensation. These shortages can improve living conditions for various microorganisms on the exterior surfaces, especially in the case of interior thermal insulation systems that are typical with thermal bridges and thus supply the surface with heat to a greater extent. This paper, therefore, aims at the investigation of hygrothermal conditions in selected critical construction details and evaluates the results from the point of view of potential biofilms growth. Two-dimensional modeling of coupled heat and moisture is applied and the hygrothermal patterns are evaluated based on an adjusted isopleth growth model. The results showed that the duration of favorable conditions for biofilms growth is relatively low, accounting for less than 180 h in the worst-case scenario. It means the exterior surfaces of historical buildings provided with interior thermal insulation systems are not threatened by biofilms growth. Anyway, other negative aspects have been revealed that should be treated individually. Possible wood decay or increased hygrothermal straining are the typical examples in that respect.
... Although it is finding in the biofilm of the sample S-1 next to Trentepohlia sp. and Chroococcus sp. it seems to indicate that its fixation to the substrate is favored. Experimental studies indicate that Chroococcus sp. has a fairly thick mucus layer that promotes the maintenance of Chlorophyta agglomerations such as Chlorella sp. and Stichococcus bacillaris in substrates of urban buildings and monuments (Vojtková, 2017;Crispim et al., 2003;Gaylarde and Gaylarde, 2002). Apparently, the sample S-1 corresponds to a dark green and brown biofilm taken from an external surface irrigated with fissures (see Table 5 and Fig. 2A). ...
Article
Biodeteriogens growing on constructions belonging to the built heritage is one of the leading natural pathologies that cause aesthetical and in some cases, physical-geochemical problems in the materials. In this study, for the first time, the chemical composition of construction materials of the built heritage from an industrialized city (Barranquilla) of Colombia have been evaluated in correlation with the algal, cyanobacterial and fungal biodeteriogens present in biofilms by applying a multianalytical methodology. To achieve this objective, samples of biofilms and construction material were taken from different historical and modern constructions. For the mineralogical characterization of the construction materials, X-ray diffraction, Raman microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF) were used. In addition, microscopic observations and cultures were employed for the microbiological characterization. Most of the construction materials analyzed belong to calcareous mortars, and others to different types of cement (portlandite, ettringite and larnite identification). The EDXRF analysis through single point and imaging strategies allowed to identify differences in the elemental composition of the external and internal parts of the materials. The role of certain elements in the mortars, which will assist the growth of specific microorganisms, is also discussed in this work. The main biodeteriogens identified in the biofilms were cyanobacteria Oscillatoria sp., Lyngbya sp., Leptolyngbya sp. and Ascomycota Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium sp. and Fusarium sp fungi. These microorganisms promote biodeterioration processes causing aesthetic, physical and chemical damage to the façades of the studied buildings. The mineralogical composition of the construction material together with environmental conditions contributes to the development of biofilms on the constructions and monuments of Barranquilla city. The results obtained in this study will be used in the future to design and implement conservation protocols and strategies useful to preserve the built heritage of Caribbean cities with similar climate conditions, geographical position and kind of construction materials.
... Green algae colonizing stone surfaces may represent a major problem for the conservation of heritage monuments, and in the last decade evaluation of whether the algal biofilm is causing damage, is neutral or protects the stone substrate has become mandatory (Vojtková, 2017;Pinna, 2017). Several control methods are now available (Pfendler et al., 2018) and can be applied when biodeterioration is demonstrated. ...
Article
The upper zone of the background walls of the processional cloister of the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario (Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain) is affected by a deep green, highly hydrophobic subaerial biofilm. The pattern that the biofilm follows the walls suggests that particular microclimatic conditions induce changes in the biofilm properties. To test this hypothesis, taxonomic and structural identification of the biofilm was carried out by respectively light microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. In addition, the chemical composition was determined by quantification of extracellular polymeric substances in the extracellular matrix of the biofilm, and hydrophobicity was determined by contact angle and water drop penetration time of biofilm and cells. Furthermore, the bioprotective or biodeteriorative role of the biofilm on the cloister is discussed on the basis of the results of stereoscopic microscope observations, X-ray diffraction and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of granite samples from uncolonized areas and from underneath the biofilm. The findings showed that Apatococcus lobatus is the predominant algae in the biofilm. The presence of this alga is favoured by water condensation and it neither damages nor protects the substrate, only causing an aesthetic impact.
... Knowing the biological components in the biofilm structure and environmental exchanges finds multiple applications in fields such as building industry [19,20], biofouling [21,22], medicine [23], and biodegradation of buildings and/or works of art [5,[24][25][26][27][28][29]. ...
Article
Full-text available
This is an investigation concerned with studying the possible adaptive response of four different unicellular algae, Anabaena PCC 7120, Oscillatoria angustissima, Scendesmus obliquus and Chlorella vulgaris, to the toxin of Microcystis aeruginosa (Kützing). The effects of four different concentrations, 25, 50, 100 and 200 μg mL-1 of microcystins crude extract of M. aeruginosa, on both intra and extra-cellular polysaccharide levels, in log phase, of the four tested algae were studied. The obtained results showed differential increase in the production levels for both intra and extra-cellular polysaccharides by the tested algae, compared with the control. S. obliquus and C. vulgaris showed a resistance to crude toxin higher than Anabaena PCC 7120 and O. angustissima. The highly production of polysaccharides by green algal species under this toxic stress indicated the involvement of these polysaccharides in protecting the algal cells against toxic species and, reflect the biological behavior of particular algal species to the environmental stresses.
Chapter
Full-text available
Aeroterrestrial phototrophic microorganisms typically form conspicuous biofilms in all climatic zones at the interface between any type of solid substratum and the atmosphere. In temperate regions such as North-Western Europe, eukaryotic green microalgae (Chlorophyta) are the most abundant aeroterrestrial organisms (see also Rindi, this volume), whereas cyanobacteria dominate warm-temperate to tropical regions (Ortega-Calvo et al., 1995; Tomaselli et al., 2000). Aeroterrestrial green microalgae grow epiphytically and epilithically on natural surfaces such as tree bark, soil and rock, and are known to be the photobionts of lichens (Ettl and Gärtner, 1995). These organisms also occur in urban areas on anthropogenic surfaces such as roof tiles, concrete, building facades and other artificial surfaces where they cause aesthetically unacceptable discolouration known as patinas and incrustations (Gaylarde and Morton, 1999; Tomaselli et al., 2000).
Article
Full-text available
Microbial activity can have an important impact on the durability of building materials. It is important to understand this activity in order to select appropriate treatment strategies for the repair and restoration of buildings and monuments. This paper describes the microorganisms which can modify the properties of building materials such as concrete, mortars, composites, timber, gypsum, etc., as well as the mechanisms responsible for deterioration of these materials. The information provided by the members of TC 183-MIB via a questionnaire is discussed. Techniques currently utilised and areas requiring further study are identified. In addition to the references, a list of publications for further reading completes this article. L'impact microbien sur les matériaux de construction a une grande influence sur leur durabilité. Il faut comprendre et identifier l'origine des mécanismes délétères, de façon à obtenir la méthode la plus adaptée à la réparation des structures, des monuments, etc. Cet article décrit les microorganismes qui peuvent modifier les propriètés des matériaux de constructions tels que le béton, le mortier, les matériaux composites, le bois, le plâtre etc., ainsi que les mécanismes de détérioration des matériaux. Les informations obtenues à l'aide d'un questionnaire rempli par les membres du TC 183-MIB, sont discutés. Les techniques utilisées et les sujets nécessitant une étude plus poussée sont identifiées. Outre les références, une liste de publications complémentaire sur ce sujet, complète cet article.
Article
Full-text available
Phototrophic microorganisms are common inhabitants of monuments. This paper reviews different aspects of their culture, ecology and deterioration mechanisms. Opportunistic species of cyanobacteria and chlorophytes, present in soils and in the air, are commonly found on the surfaces of monuments. Their growth represents a significant input of organic matter to the stone, as estimated through chlorophyll a quantification. Monuments provide unusual niches for the growth of algal communities, as in the case of black sulfated crusts, or endolithic and hypogeal niches, where more specific processes and/or communities occur.
Article
Full-text available
The presence and deteriorating action of micro-organisms on monuments and stone works of art have received considerable attention in the last few years. Knowledge of the microbial populations living on stone materials is the starting point for successful conservation treatment and control. This paper reviews the literature on cyanobacteria and chlorophyta that cause deterioration of stone cultural heritage (outdoor monuments and stone works of art) in European countries of the Mediterranean Basin. Some 45 case studies from 32 scientific papers published between 1976 and 2009 were analysed. Six lithotypes were considered: marble, limestone, travertine, dolomite, sandstone and granite. A wide range of stone monuments in the Mediterranean Basin support considerable colonization of cyanobacteria and chlorophyta, showing notable biodiversity. About 172 taxa have been described by different authors, including 37 genera of cyanobacteria and 48 genera of chlorophyta. The most widespread and commonly reported taxa on the stone cultural heritage in the Mediterranean Basin are, among cyanobacteria, Gloeocapsa, Phormidium and Chroococcus and, among chlorophyta, Chlorella, Stichococcus and Chlorococcum. The results suggest that cyanobacteria and chlorophyta colonize a wide variety of substrata and that this is related primarily to the physical characteristics of the stone surface, microclimate and environmental conditions and secondarily to the lithotype.
Chapter
In vitro cryopreservation is the storage of viable cells at ultra-low temperatures (196ºC), usually in liquid nitrogen or its vapor phase. Under these conditions it is assumed that metabolism is arrested and cells are stable for indefinite periods, so long as liquid nitrogen supply is maintained. The fact that cells tolerate cryogenic temperatures is remarkable as survival after cryopreservation is common to a wide range of biodiversity. The in vitro cryobank is one of the most, if not the most extreme low-temperature environment that an organism, or component part thereof, will ever encounter on earth. It is fascinating to speculate how, with the aid of cryoprotection (Fuller, 2004) so many diverse life-forms survive such extreme cold. Cryopreservation has important applications for astrobiology and in vivo studies of extremophiles; as water and temperature are physical determinants of life, indeed water is a prerequisite for life. This chapter considers cryoconservation in a wider context, appraising the comparative utilities of both natural and artificial cryobanks as repositories and research tools that may be used to help understand how life survives extreme cold. Algae are the subject of choice as they are one of the oldest and most diverse groups of organisms; their ancestral, fossil remains have been found in strata dating from 1.4 billion to 2.1 billion years (Cloud et al., 1969; Han and Runnegar, 1992). Algae are ubiquitous primary producers and formidable extremophiles, yet, compared with other biological resources, their preservation in cryobanks (Day et al., 2005) and their utilization as a valuable economic resource remains limited.
Article
Black and brown patches, indicating the growth of certain cyanobacteria, are very common on building surfaces in the tropics. The patches are mainly comprised of colonial species of cyanobacteria such as Gloecapsa, Gloeothece, Aphanocapsa, and Choococcus, and filamentous species like Scytonema and Tolypothrix. The colonial forms were primary colonizers.Water relation studies revealed that colonial and filamentous crusts which absorbed nearly 165% and 191% water at 0 bar osmotic water potential, lost up to 60, 70 and 80% of the absorbed water on exposure to the atmosphere of −28, −46 and −210 bar in time periods of about 10, 9 and 7 hours, respectively, at 32 °C. The colonial and filamentous crusts, growing as well as dried over conc. H2SO4, were separately subjected to various water potentials—matric, osmotic and osmotic-oversaturated — at 0 bar and temperatures to study their viability and growth in terms of 14CO2 fixation. It was found that 0 bar osmotic water potential and 30 °C temperature were optimum for 14CO2 fixation. When the dried algae exposed to higher temperatures (55–110 °C) were grown, they did not show much variation in 14CO2 fixation compared to the unexposed algae.
Article
The paper summarizes the present knowledge on the most important terrestrial habitats for algae and deals with soil, lithophytic, cave, snow and ice, epiphytic, and epizooic algae. For each habitat the physical parameters of the environment, the characteristic vegetation, and the functioning of the ecosystem are detailed. L’article présente une revue de l’état actuel de nos connaissances sur les habitats terrestres les plus importants pour les algues et traite d’algues du sol, des rochers, des grottes, de la neige et de la glace, d’algues épiphytiques et épizoïques. Pour chaque habitat les paramètres physiques de l’environnement, la végétation caractéristique et le fonctionnement de l’écosystème sont détaillés. Der Artikel beschreibt den aktuellen Stand unserer Kenntnisse der wichtigsten terrestrischen Standorte der Algen und behandelt Algen die im Boden, auf Felsen, in Höhlen, auf Schnee und Eis, auf Pflanzen, und auf Tieren vorkommen. Für jeden Standort werden die physikalischen Parametern, die charakteristische Vegetation und das Funktionieren des Ökosystems geschildert.
Article
Vyd. 1. Nad názvem: Vysoké učení technické v Brně, Fakulta stavební Studijní opory pro studijní programy s kombinovanou formou studia
Article
Cultural heritage monuments may be discolored and degraded by growth and activity of living organisms. Microorganisms form biofilms on surfaces of stone, with resulting aesthetic and structural damage. The organisms involved are bacteria (including actinomycetes and cyanobacteria), fungi, archaea, algae, and lichens. Interactions between these organisms and stone can enhance or retard the overall rate of degradation. Microorganisms within the stone structure (endoliths) also cause damage. They grow in cracks and pores and may bore into rocks. True endoliths, present within the rock, have been detected in calcareous and some siliceous stone monuments and are predominantly bacterial. The taxonomic groups differ from those found epilithically at the same sites. The nature of the stone substrate and the environmental conditions influence the extent of biofilm colonization and the biodeterioration processes. A critical review of work on microbial biofilms on buildings of historic interest, including recent innovations resulting from molecular biology, is presented and microbial activities causing degradation are discussed.