Purpose This study focuses on analysis of the archaeal and fungal diversity associated with gypsum efflorescences damaging the walls of the Sorcerer's prehistoric cave registered as a world cultural heritage site. Method Archaeal 16S rDNA and fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) clone libraries were constructed and analysed. Results Two thaumarchaeotal OTUs belonging to the Nitrososphaeraceae family dominated the archaeal community (100% of clones). Nitrososphaeraceae are obligate aerobic, chemolithoautotrophic organisms that derive their energy from the oxidation of ammonia and may contribute to primary productivity in the cave. Seven fungal OTUs belonging to Ascomycota and one belonging to Basidiomycota were present. The Cordycipitaceae family, mainly represented by entomophilous fungi, dominated the analysis (66.7% of clones). Conclusion We show that archaeal and fungal OTUs are associated with gypsum efflorescences damaging the walls of the Sorcerer's cave. The role of these microorganisms in the deterioration of the walls of the cave remains to be determined.
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<p>Antimicrobials are therapeutic substances used to prevent or treat infections. Disinfectants are antimicrobial agents applied to non-living surfaces. Every year, several thousand tonnes of antimicrobials and their by-products are released into the environment and in particular into the aquatic environment. This type of xenobiotic has ecological consequences in the natural environment but also in technological environments such as wastewater treatment plants and methane fermentation sewage sludge treatment plants. The constant exposure of microbial communities not only to high concentrations but also to sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics is a key element in the development of antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments and in soils. The future of antimicrobials lies in the development of biosourced or bioinspired molecules. The observation and deciphering of interactions between living organisms is the key to this development.</p>
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