Study About the Influence of Diatoms on the Durability of Monumental Limestone
Source abstract
Abstract
This study focuses on the evaluation of the effects of a natural treatment of limestone rock samples using microalgae known as diatoms. A total of 18 samples in the form of 50 mm cubes, carved from limestone rock from Boñar (Spain), were analyzed, divided into experimental and control groups with an equal number of samples. Through various tests evaluating porosity, water absorption, frost resistance, and salt crystallization, diatom-treated samples were found to show higher porosity and water absorption compared with the control samples, especially when the entire sample was analyzed as a whole. However, in tests focusing on the surface side most exposed to biodeposition, reduced water absorption was observed in the treated samples, suggesting an improvement in their antiabsorption properties. In addition, slightly higher frost resistance was detected in the treated samples. For this reason, this study provides valuable information on the potential of diatoms to influence the properties of limestone rocks, which can serve as a basis for future research in this field and for the development of more effective treatments to improve the characteristics of rocks used in various applications.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Microbial Applications in Construction Materials · Marine Sponges and Natural Products · Diatoms and Algae Research
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Mining Technology, Topography, and Structures, University of León, Campus of Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
Department of Applied Physics, University of León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
Department of Agricultural Engineering and Sciences, University of León, Avenida de Portugal 41, 24009 León, Spain
Funding
Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN) · Applied innovation against climate change and other aggressions on stone monuments (PRESERVARTE) · Junta de Castilla y León
References (36)
Show source-provided references
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