دراسة تأثير الكائنات الحية الدقيقة على التركيبة الفيزيائية والكيميائية لأحجار المباني الأثرية

Abstract EN

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, 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.

microbiologists are actively pursuing the microorganisms responsible for deterioration and attempting to quantify their effects.

the effects of metabolic products, the deterioration processes, and the responsible microorganisms are all being elucidated.

this effort requires a multidisciplinary examination to preserve these sites.