Biodegradation and Microbial Contamination of Limestone Surfaces: An Experimental Study from Batalha Monastery, Portugal

Lichens significantly contribute to the biodeterioration of limestone at Batalha Monastery, Portugal, through mechanical penetration and chemical dissolution. The study used advanced microscopy (OM, LV-SEM + EDS) and X-ray micro-diffractometry (μ-XRD) to analyze stone fragments, while NGS metagenomic DNA testing identified bacterial communities within biofilms. Air quality monitoring revealed that sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus-rich pollutants may fuel microbial growth, exacerbating limestone degradation. This research highlights the complex interplay between biological colonization and environmental factors in cultural heritage preservation.

Ding, Y., Salvador, C. S. C., Caldeira, A. T., Angelini, E., & Schiavon, N. (2021). Biodegradation and Microbial Contamination of Limestone Surfaces: An Experimental Study from Batalha Monastery, Portugal. Corrosion and Materials Degradation, 2(1), 31–45. https://doi.org/10.3390/cmd2010002