Bacterial Diversity Evolution in Maya Plaster and Stone Following a Bio-Conservation Treatment

A novel bio-conservation treatment for Maya stone and plaster, leveraging indigenous carbonatogenic bacteria, significantly alters bacterial diversity while promoting beneficial microbial communities. The patented M-3P nutritional solution enhances the growth of genera like Arthrobacter, Micrococcaceae, Nocardioides, Fictibacillus, and Streptomyces in carved stone blocks at Copan (Honduras), along with others such as Bacillus and Agrococcus in lime plaster. These bacteria are known for calcium carbonate biomineralization, suggesting the treatment's effectiveness. Notably, the approach reduces or eliminates harmful acid-producing bacteria like Marmoricola and Acidobacteria. This study demonstrates that the bio-conservation method is a safe and effective solution for preserving Maya archaeological sites in hot, humid tropical conditions, with potential applications worldwide.

Jroundi, F., Elert, K., Ruiz-Agudo, E., Gonzalez-Muñoz, M. T., & Rodriguez-Navarro, C. (2020). Bacterial Diversity Evolution in Maya Plaster and Stone Following a Bio-Conservation Treatment. Frontiers in Microbiology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2020.599144