Isolation and Identification of Fungal Species and Scientific Preservation of World Heritage: Case of Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, India

Fungi significantly contribute to the deterioration of cultural heritage, particularly under specific climatic conditions, through both physical and chemical mechanisms. A study on Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India, identified six prevalent fungal species—Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium herbarum, and Rhizopus oryzae—that cause bio-deterioration on stone monuments. These fungi induce discoloration, bio-pitting, exfoliation, and other structural alterations through hyphal growth, acid secretion, enzyme release, and pigment production. The research highlights the irreversible damage these processes can inflict on historical artifacts, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary collaboration among microbiologists, chemists, restorers, and conservators to mitigate such deterioration effectively.

Gupta, S. P., & Agnihotri, S. K. (2023). Isolation and Identification of Fungal Species and Scientific Preservation of World Heritage: Case of Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, India. European Journal of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, 1(5), 488–492. https://doi.org/10.59324/ejtas.2023.1(5).38