Fungi affecting wall paintings of historical value: a worldwide meta-analysis of their detected diversity
Author(s)
Date Issued
2022
Type
article
Volume
12
Issue
6
Journal
Abstract
Identifying species involved in biodeterioration processes is helpful, however further effort
is needed to assess their ecological requirements and actual activity. Black fungi (BF) represent one
of the most underestimated threats to stone cultural heritage in the Mediterranean basin; they are
difficult to kill or remove due to their ability to grow inside the rock and cope with several stresses.
Despite this, little is known about BF and factors favoring their growth on stone surfaces. Eighteen
BF species were here investigated for temperature and salt tolerance, and metabolic traits by plate
assays. The relation between some highly damaged monuments and their BF settlers was assessed
using X-ray diffraction analysis, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and SEM. The sensitiveness to four
commonly used traditional biocides was also tested. All strains were able to grow within the range of
5–25 C and in the presence of 3.5% NaCl. Instrumental analyses were fundamental in discovering
the relation between halophilic strains and weathered marble sculptures. The acid, cellulase, esterase,
and protease production recorded proved BF’s potential to produce a chemical action on carbonate
stones and likely affect other materials/historical artefacts. Besides, the use of carboxymethylcellulose
and Tween 20 should be evaluated in restoration practice to prevent tertiary bioreceptivity. Agar
diffusion tests helped identify the most resistant species to biocides, opening the perspective of its
use as reference organisms in material testing procedures.
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