Microbial deterioration and sustainable conservation of stone monuments and buildings

Xiaobo Liu, Robert J. Koestler, Thomas Warscheid, Yoko Katayama and Ji-Dong Gu ()
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Xiaobo Liu: The University of Hong Kong
Robert J. Koestler: Museum Support Center
Thomas Warscheid: LBW Bioconsult
Yoko Katayama: Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties
Ji-Dong Gu: Guangdong Technion Israel Institute of Technology

Nature Sustainability, 2020, vol. 3, issue 12, 991-1004

Abstract: Abstract Geomicrobially induced deterioration of stone monuments and buildings contributes to a considerable loss of world cultural heritage, especially when exposed to a changing climate or environment. The active biodeterioration processes typically involve biochemical activities and cooperation among functional microorganisms in epilithic biofilms, which assimilate mineral nutrients and metabolize anthropogenic pollutants through biogeochemical cycles. Development of any effective mitigation strategies requires the comprehensive understanding of such processes. We focus on how microbes contribute to the biodeterioration processes through their activities and biogeochemical cycles of elements, discuss biochemical mechanisms involved and provide innovative strategies for sustainable conservation of stone monuments and buildings.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41893-020-00602-5

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