Development of a Rapid Indicator of Biodeterioration of Historic Stone (2008-09)

Download 2008-09
Size: 40.62 KB
Format: PDF

Summary

Biodeterioration on historic grave markers

Biodeterioration plays an important role in the degradation of stone in historic buildings, monuments, and archeological sites.  Microbial deterioration occurs through the action of organic and inorganic acids produced by biofilms.

Detection of microbial deterioration of culturally important stone objects is difficult.

The use of microbiological indicators of environmental conditions is common (e.g., E. coli is a key indicator of fecal contamination of water).  The objective of this project was to compare the microbial community on deteriorated and undeteriorated stone.

The microbial community of both deteriorated and undeteriorated locations was dominated by Cyanobacteria.  In undeteriorated locations the dominant organism was Anabaena cylindrica.  In deteriorated locations, the dominant organism was Chroococcidiopsis sp.

Differences between the communities suggest that microbial indicators could provide a simple and rapid means for early detection of stone biodeterioration.

Related posts:

1. Development of a Rapid Indicator of Biodeterioration of Historic Stone Development of a Rapid Indicator of Biodeterioration of Historic Stone....
2. The Role of Microorganisms in the Deterioration of Atmospheric Pollutants of Stone Used in Historic Buildings and Monuments (2001-01) The objectives of this grant were to determine the responses...
3. Deterioration and Preservation of Porous Stone Chapel, Monterey, California (1996-04) Visual inspection of the Chapel indicated that lateral movements, meteoric...
4. Review of the Literature on the Topic of Acidic Deposition on Stone (1998-09) It is extremely difficult to determine how much of the...
5. Mechanical Anchor Strength in Stone Masonry (2008-05) he main objective of this research project is to better...