Lichen hotspots: raised rock temperatures beneath Verrucaria nigrescens on limestone

Carter, N.E.A.; Viles, Heather

doi:10.1016/j.geomorph.2004.02.001

Cited by 55 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 13 publications

(14 reference statements)

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“…Lichens can absorb/reflect solar radiation protecting the stone from temperature variations and thermal stress, depending on the colour of the thalli (dark thalli, e.g.Verrucaria nigrescens, absorb heat causing an increase of temperature fluctuations and thermal gradient in the rock surface) [110], also as a barrier protecting stone from water penetration, and reducing or neutralizing the negative action of wind, rain, pollutants and marine aerosols. A protective function is also attributed to a "patina and crust formation" after the death of lichens, mainly composed of oxalate remains with entrapped organic and mineral matter.…”

Section: Lichens: Bioprotective or Biodeteriorative Effect?mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Fungi and Lichens in the Biodeterioration of Stone Monuments

Salvadori¹,

Municchia²

2016

Open Conf. Proceed. J.

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This review elucidates current knowledge on the significant role of fungi and lichens in the biodeterioration of stone monuments. The effect caused by many epilithic lichen species in the deterioration of different types of stone has been extensively investigated and demonstrated. Nonetheless, many aspects of the deterioration mechanisms of microcolonial fungi (MFC) and endolithic lichens are still to be proved. An interesting hypothesis has recently been put forward involving the secretion of siderophores like compounds. Lichens can provide bioprotection for stone surfaces, acting as a barrier against weathering, retaining moisture, increasing waterproofing, reducing thermal stress and erosion, and absorbing pollutants. Nevertheless, the evaluation of biodeterioration vs. bioprotection cannot be generalised, since it can vary according to the behaviour of different species, as well as being affected by both the lithotype and the environment. In addition to the laboratory studies, more field studies of biological communities are required, to analyse their establishment and succession in natural conditions and after conservation treatments. In order to guarantee the best decision for stone conservation, cleaning operations should not be based on a generalised approach, but should rather be based on a careful evaluation of different aspects concerning biodeterioration and bioprotection.

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Section: Lichens: Bioprotective or Biodeteriorative Effect?mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Fungi and Lichens in the Biodeterioration of Stone Monuments

Salvadori¹,

Municchia²

2016

Open Conf. Proceed. J.

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“…Biofilms can be both detrimental and beneficial, depending on the substratum and microorganisms involved. While biofilms and the inhabiting organisms accelerate the deterioration process [89], some communities have a more protective role [90]. In later case, the removal of biofilm layer may fasten the deterioration of stones by making them susceptible to atmospheric pollutants and to the attacks of salts [91,92].…”

Section: Biofilm Formationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microbially induced deterioration of architectural heritages: routes and mechanisms involved

2012

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Since ancient time, magnificence and beauty have been the goals of architecture. Artists and architects used high strength, durable and beautiful stones like marble and limestone for the construction of monuments like Taj Mahal, Milan Cathedral, Roman Catacombs and Necropolis in Rome etc. These historic monuments are exposed to open air which allows the invading army of algae, cyanobacteria, fungi etc. to easily access them. The invasion of microorganisms and their subsequent interaction with mineral matrix of the stone substrate under varied environment conditions fosters deterioration of stones by multiple mechanisms resulting in loss of strength, durability, and aesthetic appearance. The review details about the major routes and mechanisms which led to biodeterioration, discusses current remedial methodologies and suggests future directions.

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“…Biofilms and other rockdwelling organisms can also encourage decay (Schiavon 2002), although some communities may have a more bioprotective role (Carter & Viles 2004). Once initially protective crusts and/or biofilms are breached, salts arising from air pollution, groundwater contamination, road de-icing activities and other sources contribute significantly to limestone decay, producing flaking, disintegration and alveolar forms (Goudie & Viles 1997;Fitzner et al 2002;Török 2004).…”

Section: Understanding Catastrophic Decaymentioning

confidence: 99%

Underlying issues on the selection, use and conservation of building limestone

Smith

Gómez-Heras

Viles

2010

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An argument is presented that, despite popular assumptions, many limestones, especially the wide range of clastic and, in general, granular limestones, do not decay in a steady and predictable pattern in response to slow dissolution. Instead these stones, especially when used in construction in polluted environments, invariably decay episodically through physical breakdown. Most commonly this is accomplished through a variety of salt weathering mechanisms that, if unconstrained, can lead to the rapid, catastrophic decay of building blocks and their complete loss -a process that has driven the extensive programmes of stone replacement that are typical of buildings constructed of these stones. In polluted environments, especially those rich in sulphur and particulates, the most common constraint on accelerated decay has been the rapid development of gypsum crusts that, for example, could rapidly 'heal' the scars left by contour scaling. It is ironic, therefore, that any reduction in pollution could conceivably lead to increased erosion by retarding this healing process. Because of this temporal variability of decay and its translation into spatial complexity, it is important that further research is undertaken to understand controls on the decay of these important building stones so that future conservation strategies can be appropriately informed.

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Lichen hotspots: raised rock temperatures beneath Verrucaria nigrescens on limestone

Cited by 55 publications

References 13 publications

The Role of Fungi and Lichens in the Biodeterioration of Stone Monuments

The Role of Fungi and Lichens in the Biodeterioration of Stone Monuments

Microbially induced deterioration of architectural heritages: routes and mechanisms involved

Underlying issues on the selection, use and conservation of building limestone

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