The use of Inappropriate Outdoor Exhibition method is one of the main factors that accelerate the degradation of archaeological stone works. Here, we describe and diagnosis the biodeterioration of limestone water duct located in the courtyard of Sultan Qaitbay's mosque (1475). The used exhibition method provides the suitable environmental condition for biological grows. Several samples taken from various colors of microbial biofilm on the water duct surface were isolated and cultivated. The microorganisms were documented and analyzed using optical light microscopy (OLM), scanning electron microscopy with the energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The study showed that the main biofilm formers were fungi and bacteria. The fungi were identified as: Aspergillus niger-Aspergillus terrus -Acremonium sp. Alternaria sp. Paecilomyces SP. Stemphylium. Two kinds of bacteria are present (Coccus -and Bacillus). The organic acids produced by identified fungi were qualitative and quantitative assessed. The degradation caused by the identified microbial activities is discussed and the criteria for archaeological stonework outdoor exhibition were presented. Keyword: limestone / Biodeterioration / Exhibition / water duct / SEM / HPLC.
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