Biofilm driven bioweathering on limestone; a humidity dependent process

Cyanobacterial biofilms significantly accelerate limestone weathering at UNESCO World Heritage Site Pasargadae, with humidity playing a critical role. Research revealed that Chroococcidiopsis spp., dominant in endolithic biofilms, trigger microfracturing and mineral dissolution while forming rhombohedral CaCO₃ crystals under controlled hydration-desiccation cycles (29.5–100% RH). The study links phototrophic microbial activity to carbonate precipitation-dissolution dynamics in semiarid climates, emphasizing water availability as a key factor in biofilm-driven degradation. While findings highlight the process's humidity dependence, further research is needed to fully understand microbial community interactions.

Gholipour-Shahraki, M., Mohammadi, P., Ranjbaran, M., & Gu, J. D. (2025). Biofilm driven bioweathering on limestone; a humidity dependent process. Npj Materials Degradation, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41529-025-00697-1