Microbial deterioration in ancient cave and wall paintings

A study reveals that microbial communities, particularly Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, are significant contributors to the deterioration of ancient cave and wall paintings. These microbes, including Pseudonocadia which dominates bacterial populations, cause corrosion through acid metabolism and thrive under specific environmental conditions like light, humidity, and CO₂ levels. Fungal communities, often entomogenous, show a strong link with insects inhabiting caves. The research highlights the importance of ecological perspectives and cross-disciplinary approaches for conservation, emphasizing long-term monitoring, ecosystem balance, and measures to reduce exogenous microbial transmission from tourists.

LI Qiang, 李强, GE Qinya, 葛琴雅, PAN Xiaoxuan, 潘晓轩, WANG Yu, 王宇, ZHU Xudong, 朱旭东, GUO Hong, 郭宏, & PAN Jiao, 潘皎. (2014). Microbial deterioration in ancient cave and wall paintings. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 34(6). https://doi.org/10.5846/stxb201307051841