Enzymatic Activity as a Measure of Total Microbial Activity on Historical Stone

A rapid and reliable method for assessing microbial activity on historical stones, using the fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis technique, was successfully developed and validated. Applied to Mount Nemrut monuments (MNMs) in Turkey, this study found that total microbial activity on both limestone and sandstone samples was low, suggesting that microorganisms play a negligible role in stone deterioration at the site—despite the presence of lichen species. The FDA method demonstrated strong correlation with traditional plate count techniques, confirming its utility for quick, sensitive measurements even on small samples. These findings imply that while microbial activity is currently minimal, long-term monitoring is necessary to evaluate potential future risks.

Sırt Çıplak, E., & Akoğlu, K. G. (2020). Enzymatic Activity as a Measure of Total Microbial Activity on Historical Stone. Heritage, 3(3), 671–681. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage3030038