Investigating the Role of Microclimate and Microorganisms in the Deterioration of Stone Heritage: The Case of Rupestrian Church from Jac, Romania
Source abstract
Abstract
Natural stone can undergo disaggregation from various causes, including physical actions such as freeze–thaw cycles, temperature and humidity variations, chemical actions such as the solubilization of minerals by organic and inorganic acids, as well as biological actions due to the colonization of organisms that can produce biocorrosion and biomineralization. This research investigates the impact of microclimatic conditions and microbial activity on the physical and chemical integrity of stone heritage, particularly the biodeterioration caused by fungi in the case of a Romanian rock church. Various analytical techniques were employed, including macroscopic and optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and culture-based identification methods, to characterize the mineral composition and microbial contamination of the rock samples. The analyses revealed that the sandstone consists primarily of quartz (over 90%), muscovite (5–10%), and feldspars. The identified fungi included Cladosporium herbarium, Aspergillus niger, and Mortierella hyalina. The SEM images showed fungal hyphae and spores within the kaolinite–illite matrix, indicating significant microbial colonization and its role in rock deterioration. Additionally, microclimatic data collected over a 12-week period highlighted the substantial fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity within the church, which contribute to the physical and chemical weathering of the stone. This study also noted high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and volatile organic compounds, which can exacerbate microbial growth and stone decay. The comprehensive analysis underscores the need for targeted preservation strategies that consider both microclimatic factors and microbial colonization to effectively conserve stone heritage sites, ensuring their longevity and structural integrity.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Building materials and conservation · Conservation Techniques and Studies · Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Geography, Tourism and Territorial Planning, Faculty of Geography, Tourism and Sport, University of Oradea, 1 Universitatii Street, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Department of Geology, Faculty of Geography and Geology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, 700505 Iași, Romania
Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Babes, Bolyai University, 1 M. Kogalniceanu St., 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Faculty of Science, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, 2 Satpayev Street, Nur-Sultan 010008, Kazakhstan
Electron Microscopy Center “Prof. C. Craciun”, Faculty of Biology & Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, 5-7 Clinicilor Str., 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Department of Physical and Technical Geography, Faculty of Geography, Babes-Bolyai University, 5-6 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
National Institute for R&D of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat Street, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, Magheru Street 26, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Social Studies Department, College of Arts, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Tourism Studies Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management, Helwan University, Cairo 12612, Egypt
Department of Digital Economy, Samarkand Branch of Tashkent State University of Economics, Samarkand 140105, Uzbekistan
Doctoral School in Geography, University of Oradea, 1 Universitatii Street, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Funding
Deanship of Scientific Research, Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia
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