The Open Conference Proceedings Journal

2016, 7 : 39-54
Published online 2016 April 08. DOI: 10.2174/2210289201607020039
Publisher ID: TOPROCJ-7-2-39

RESEARCH ARTICLE
 The Role of Fungi and Lichens in the Biodeterioration of Stone Monuments

Ornella Salvadori1, * and Annalaura C. Municchia2
1 Laboratorio Scientifico, Soprintendenza Speciale per il Patrimonio Storico Artistico ed Etnoantropologico e per il Polo Museale Della Città di Venezia e dei Comuni Della Gronda Lagunare, Venice, Italy;
2 Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Roma Tre, Rome, Italy

* Address correspondence to this author at the Laboratorio Scientifico, Soprintendenza speciale per il Patrimonio storico artistico ed etnoantropologico e per il Polo museale della città di Venezia e dei comuni della Gronda lagunare, Cannaregio 3553, 30121 Venice, Italy; Tel/Fax: +39041720661; Email: ornella.salvadori@beniculturali.it

ABSTRACT

This review elucidates current knowledge on the significant role of fungi and lichens in the biodeterioration of stone monuments. The effect caused by many epilithic lichen species in the deterioration of different types of stone has been extensively investigated and demonstrated. Nonetheless, many aspects of the deterioration mechanisms of microcolonial fungi (MFC) and endolithic lichens are still to be proved. An interesting hypothesis has recently been put forward involving the secretion of siderophores like compounds. Lichens can provide bioprotection for stone surfaces, acting as a barrier against weathering, retaining moisture, increasing waterproofing, reducing thermal stress and erosion, and absorbing pollutants. Nevertheless, the evaluation of biodeterioration vs. bioprotection cannot be generalised, since it can vary according to the behaviour of different species, as well as being affected by both the lithotype and the environment. In addition to the laboratory studies, more field studies of biological communities are required, to analyse their establishment and succession in natural conditions and after conservation treatments. In order to guarantee the best decision for stone conservation, cleaning operations should not be based on a generalised approach, but should rather be based on a careful evaluation of different aspects concerning biodeterioration and bioprotection.

Keywords:

Biodeterioration, Bioprotection, Color, Fungi, Lichens, Stone.