Exploring Differences in Culturable Fungal Diversity Using Standard Freezing Incubation—A Case Study in the Limestones of Lemos Pantheon (Portugal)

Abstract

In this study, we explored the biodiversity and abundance of culturable fungi in four samples associated with different biodeterioration outlines collected from the Lemos Pantheon, a limestone-built artwork in Portugal. We compared the results from prolonged standard freezing with those previously obtained from fresh samples to analyze differences in the obtained community and assess the effectiveness of the standard freezing incubation protocol in uncovering a different segment of culturable fungal diversity. Our results showed a slight decrease in culturable diversity, but over 70% of the obtained isolates were not present in the previously studied fresh samples. We also identified a high number of potential new species with this procedure. Moreover, the use of a wide variety of selective culture media positively influenced the diversity of the cultivable fungi obtained in this study. These findings highlight the importance of developing new protocols under varying conditions to accurately characterize the culturable fraction in a given sample. The identification and study of these communities and their possible contribution to the biodeterioration process is crucial knowledge for formulating effective conservation and restoration plans to prevent further damage to valuable cultural heritage assets.

A New Genus of the Microascaceae (Ascomycota) Family from a Hypersaline Lagoon in Spain and the Delimitation of the Genus Wardomyces

“…Particularly interesting are the findings of Chaetomium grande and Parachaetomium truncatulum, which represent two new reports for Spain and Europe, also being the first time that this species has been isolated from lake sediments [70,[80][81][82]. Furthermore, Acrostalagmus luteoalbus can thrive in soils with high pH values (alkali-tolerant), and Aspergillus versicolor and Stachybotrys chartarum exhibit halotolerance [60,68,74]. Some species have not been previously reported as extremophilic or extremotolerant, yet our study reveals their ability to grow in up to 10% w/v NaCl, such as Cladosporium europaeum and Malbranchea zuffiana.…”

Seasonal Variations in Fungal Communities on the Surfaces of Lan Na Sandstone Sculptures and Their Biodeterioration Capacities

“…Cyphellophora is a genus of black yeast-like fungi [ 44 ]; some species of them are included in the rock-inhabitant black fungi group and are known for their ability to grow in extreme environments. For instance, Cyphellophora olivacea , which are pigment producers, have pigmented aerial mycelium and/or reproductive structures that cause the deterioration of rocks [ 45 ]. In the wet season, Fusarium was the most abundant genera in the samples.…”

Expanding the Microcolonial Black Fungi Aeminiaceae Family: Saxispiralis lemnorum gen. et sp. nov. (Mycosphaerellales), Isolated from Deteriorated Limestone in the Lemos Pantheon, Portugal

“…Knowledge of deteriorating agents is of utmost importance for developing effective conservation strategies and well-executed restoration initiatives, ensuring the long-term preservation of these invaluable cultural assets [ 20 , 23 ]. As part of the ongoing efforts to study the fungal diversity thriving in a deteriorated limestone funerary art piece at the Lemos Pantheon [ 62 , 63 ], a national monument located in Águeda, Portugal, two isolates of an unknown slow-growing microcolonial black fungus were obtained. Thus, the aim of this work was to determine the taxonomic relationships of these strains with close relatives through a multi-locus phylogenetic analysis (Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS), 28S Large Subunit of ribosomal DNA (LSU), and the RNA Polymerase II Second Largest Subunit ( rpb2 )), coupled with morphological, physiological, and ecological examinations.…”