Enzymatic Activity as a Measure of Total Microbial Activity on Historical Stone (original) (raw)
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Science of the total …, 2006
The aim of this research was to determine the accelerating effects of microorganisms on the biodeterioration of stone under air pollution and continental-cold climatic region in Erzurum, Turkey. Studies have been carried out on specimens of the Rustempasa Bazaar, the Lalapasa Mosque, the Erzurum Castle Mosque, the Double Minarets-Madrasah, the Great Mosque and the Haji Mehmet Fountain aged from 441 to 823 years old. The results showed that vegetative and reproductive (generative) forms of the microorganisms could develop during the winter months when the night time average temperature was even À25 8C. Also the reproductive forms had developed and the whole stone surface was covered with a biofilm caused by the microorganisms. Silicon, aluminum, calcium, potassium, titanium, magnesium, zinc, sulfur, iron, sodium, and niobium were found in the stones of the historical buildings with varying amounts through the SEM-EDS analysis. Some of these elements could be used as an energy resource for the microorganisms together with the air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particles on the stone surfaces. Of 21 isolates, 15 species from 6 bacterium genera and 5 species from 5 fungi genera plus 1 fungi genera were identified on the deteriorated stone surfaces even during the coldest months by microbial identification system (MIS) and these findings were tested by SEM investigations.
Applied microbiology and biotechnology in the conservation of stone cultural heritage materials
Applied microbiology and biotechnology, 2006
The contribution of applied microbiology and biotechnology for the preservation and restoration of culturally relevant stoneworks has been used only to a minor extent. Until recently it only involved the identification of the living organisms accountable for the deterioration of those materials by classic phenotypic identification methods. This seems to be changing, given the amount of work recently published that focuses in the introduction of molecular-based techniques for the detection of microorganisms in historic stone. Such techniques complement and expand the information up till now gathered by conventional identification methods. Along with this, efforts are being made to develop and implement bio-based methodologies that may actively contribute to the bioremediation of weathered historic stoneworks. The present minireview aims to provide an overview of recent findings on these matters.
Journal of Cultural Heritage, 2022
Geochemical cycles result in the chemical, physical, and mineralogical modification of rocks, eventually leading to formation of soil. However, when the stones and rocks are a part of historic buildings and monuments, the effects are deleterious. In addition, microorganisms also colonize these monuments over a period of time, resulting in formation of biofilms; their metabolites lead to physical weakening and discoloration of stone eventually. This process, known as biodeterioration, leads to a significant loss of cultural heritage. For formulating effective conservation strategies to prevent biodeterioration and restore monuments, it is important to know which microorganisms are colonizing the substrate and the different energy sources they consume to sustain themselves. With this view in scope, this review focuses on studies that have attempted to understand the process of biodeterioration, the mechanisms by which they colonize and affect the monuments, the techniques used for assessment of biodeterioration, and conservation strategies that aim to preserve the original integrity of the monuments. This review also includes the Bomics^technologies that have started playing a large role in elucidating the nature of microorganisms, and how they can play a role in hastening the formulation of effective conservation strategies.
Application of Microbial Biotechnology in Conservation and Restoration of Stone Monument
Journal of Applied Biotechnology Reports, 2017
Treatments employed for the consolidation of monumental stones made of limestone due to incompatibility from the substrate and cement used for consolidation, plugging of pores induced by the new cement, leading to the acceleration of stone alteration. Microbial precipitation with a layer of calcium carbonate generated by bacteria might offer a solution to this dilemma because the layer would not block the natural pore structure, thus permitting free passage of soluble salts through the stone. In this study, an attempt has been made to provide an overview of the microbial induced carbonate precipitation as promising technology for bioremediation of such structures. At the first, the active microorganisms in the conservation of stone monuments transferred to the laboratory using the swap dipped in nutrient broth at a historic cemetery. After incubation and growth of colonies, Gram-positive bacilli were detected. Then pure single colonies were transferred to blood agar medium and incub...
PROFILING THE BACTERIAL DIVERSITY IN HISTORIC LIMESTONE FROM ANAZARBOS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE BY ADVANCED MOLECULAR AND SPECTROSCOPIC TECHNIQUES, 2022
The architectural remains as well as sculptures, mosaics, and other artifacts in the archaeological sites are mostly made of stone and susceptible to biodeterioration by microorganisms. Bacterial communities are known to have the most effective role in biological deterioration in stones. The ancient city of Anazarbos (Anavarza), chosen as the study area, is the 1st Degree Archaeological Site in the vicinity of Dilekkaya Village, Kozan District, about 70 km north of Adana. The microbiological, chemical, mineralogical, and microstructural properties of stone samples taken from different places were studied in this research. Samples were taken from i) where no deterioration occurred, ii) where different forms of deterioration were observed, iii) archaeological deposits, iii) archaeological deposits that came from deteriorated stone samples area. Spectroscopic, thermal, and microscopic techniques applied included: X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive System (SEM-EDS), Thermogravimetric Analysis/Differential Thermal Analysis (TG/DTA). The bacterial biodiversity was analyzed by the application of Illumina-based next-generation sequencing methods. Results show intense biological colonisations with clay minerals on limestone surfaces. A patina of clay minerals was observed on newly excavated stone surfaces, while biological colonisations have not yet intensified. The metabarcoding analysis showed 15 bacterial phyla. The Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the most abundant phyla in both stones and archaeological deposits samples. Human activity (intensive agriculture, animal husbandry), accumulation of rainwater in excavated areas adversely affects stones, which leads to acceleration of biological deterioration in stones. Thus, all features of the site require multi-faceted studies prior to unearthing of archaeological remains.
Nutrient cycling potential within microbial communities on culturally important stoneworks
Environmental Microbiology Reports, 2018
SummaryPrevious studies on microbes associated with deterioration of cultural heritage (CH) stoneworks have revealed a diverse microbiota adapted to stresses such as low nutrients, aridity and high salinity, temperatures and radiation. However, the function of these pioneer microbial communities is still unclear. This study examines bacterial and archaeal diversity in exfoliated and dark encrustation sandstone from Portchester Castle (UK) by 16S rRNA and functional gene analyses. Bacterial and archaeal communities from the exfoliated sites were distinctly different from the dark encrustation. Detected genera were linked to extreme environmental conditions, various potential functional roles and degradation abilities. From these data it was possible to reconstruct almost complete nitrogen and sulfur cycles, as well as autotrophic carbon fixation and mineral transformation processes. Analysis of RNA showed that many of the detected genera in these nutrient cycles were probably active ...
Deterioration of Siliceous Stone Monuments in Latin America: Microorganisms and Mechanisms
Corrosion Reviews, 2004
1. Introduction 2. Organisms present in biofilms on historic, siliceous stone buildings of Latin America 3. The role of chemoautotrophic microorganisms in stone degradation: a historic paradigm 3.1. Organic acids 3.2. Polyfunctional acids and stone degradation 3.3. Alkaline degradation of siliceous stone 3.4. The role of osmolytes in stone degradation 3.5. Silicon metabolism 4. Conclusion 5. References ABSTRACT The microbial community present on and within stone monuments is highly varied and is subject to high and low temperatures. UV irradiation, and repeated desiccation. The mechanisms of the biodegradation of stone commonly thought to be important are acid-and base-induced dissolution of silica and mobilization of cations by chelation. The endolithic and epilithic microbial communities produce polyols as osmotic protectants (osmolytes) in response to desiccation. Low molecular weight polyols and polysaccharides (high molecular weight polyols) bind to the siloxane layers within layered 395
Microbial deterioration of archaeological marble: Identification and treatment
Annals of Agricultural Sciences, 2012
Microbial deterioration of archeological marble was studied on samples taken from three locations in Cairo, Egypt; Mohamed Ali palace, El-Ghory Mosque and Mosque of El-Kady Abdel-Baset. Sampling resulted in 110 microbial isolates, identified as eight fungal genera, three bacterial genera, one actinomycetes genus and six algae. Isolated strains were all identified up to species. The inhibitory effect of five antimicrobial agents at various concentrations was investigated against the growth and development of these microbial isolates. Sodium azide at 100 ppm was found to be the best treatment for both fungal and bacterial isolates. Colored spots, caused by microbial growth, were treated by different synthetic and natural chemical substances. Results showed also that microbial enzymes produced by Aspergillus flavus isolate was the best decolorization treatment.
Role of Micro-Organisms in Biodeterioration of Sandstone in Heritage Buildings
Journal of Advanced Research in Construction and Urban Architecture, 2021
The growing concern for the preservation and protection of heritage building has led to a greater interest in the findings of biodeterioration occurring on these buildings. The cultural heritage objects are damaged by various agents like atmospheric agents, condensation or capillary humidity, temperature range, human action and microorganisms. A wide variety of organisms like bacteria, fungi, algae and plants etc. have been reported in the degradation of heritage structures. Microorganisms ability in production of pigments and organic acid plays a crucial role in discoloration and degradation of different types of stone in cultural heritage building objects. The study focuses on the types of microorganisms that are responsible for the biodeterioration of heritage buildings as well as the preventive measure and treatment done to restore the original form of the sandstone structures. The research is also supported and reinforced with a case study of Sher Shah Suri's tomb at Sasaram, Bihar.