A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Linking ornamental stone discolouration to its biocolonisation state
Abstract Colour in historic and modern architecture is one of the most important visible characteristics that should be preserved along the times. There are many factors that can induce stone weathering, promoting its discolouration. Among these factors, microorganisms’ action was neglected for many decades, and nowadays there is a lack of association in the relation of stone alteration and biogenic activity. This work comprises an important contribution to understand the microbial role for the weathering of one of the more important Portuguese stones, that is applied in historic monuments and new buildings. Featured by its excellent physico-chemical characteristics, this lithotype is currently with a great international demand, which requires a thorough comprehension of its deterioration mechanism. The natural weathering of this stone was induced through simulation assays and the microbiota thriving were evaluated and characterised using Next Generation Sequencing. The results obtained show that the stone discolouration is greater when both prokaryotic and eukaryotic colonisers are present and the inorganic surface alteration promotes the development of microbiota, creating a cause-effect cycle.
Highlights The biocolonisation effect on a commercial limestone was assessed. Colour and microbiota were characterised through an artificial ageing for 180 days. The natural weathering of the stone triggers the microorganisms' capacity to anchor. The concomitant process increases stone discolouration and creates a cause-effect cycle.
Linking ornamental stone discolouration to its biocolonisation state
Abstract Colour in historic and modern architecture is one of the most important visible characteristics that should be preserved along the times. There are many factors that can induce stone weathering, promoting its discolouration. Among these factors, microorganisms’ action was neglected for many decades, and nowadays there is a lack of association in the relation of stone alteration and biogenic activity. This work comprises an important contribution to understand the microbial role for the weathering of one of the more important Portuguese stones, that is applied in historic monuments and new buildings. Featured by its excellent physico-chemical characteristics, this lithotype is currently with a great international demand, which requires a thorough comprehension of its deterioration mechanism. The natural weathering of this stone was induced through simulation assays and the microbiota thriving were evaluated and characterised using Next Generation Sequencing. The results obtained show that the stone discolouration is greater when both prokaryotic and eukaryotic colonisers are present and the inorganic surface alteration promotes the development of microbiota, creating a cause-effect cycle.
Highlights The biocolonisation effect on a commercial limestone was assessed. Colour and microbiota were characterised through an artificial ageing for 180 days. The natural weathering of the stone triggers the microorganisms' capacity to anchor. The concomitant process increases stone discolouration and creates a cause-effect cycle.
Linking ornamental stone discolouration to its biocolonisation state
Dias, Luís (author) / Rosado, Tânia (author) / Candeias, António (author) / Mirão, José (author) / Caldeira, Ana Teresa (author)
Building and Environment ; 180
2020-05-01
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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