The presence of phenanthrene‐degrading micro‐organisms in building stones of two European cathedrals (Seville, Spain, and Mechelen, Belgium) was demonstrated by conversion to 14CO2 of [9‐14C]phenanthrene freshly added to the stones and by the isolation of bacteria capable of using phenanthrene as sole source of carbon and energy. We suggest that micro‐organisms present in building stones are able to transform deposited atmospheric pollutants and to use them for growth.
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