Microcolonial fungi from antique marbles in Perge/Side/Termessos (Antalya/Turkey)

Abstract

In this study rock surfaces of archaeological sites in Antalya were investigated with a focus on black fungi for the first time. Black, meristematic fungi were isolated from surfaces of antique marble monuments in Antalya (Side, Perge, Termessos). Their morphology was characterized, their diversity was documented and the taxonomy and phylogeny of new isolates was clarified based on molecular methods, that is, by sequencing parts of the small ribosomal subunit (18S) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. From a total of around 250 samples 99 different fungal strains were isolated. In most of 99 strains the rDNA sequencing data and the lack of homologies in "Genbank" gave strong evidence that these strains have to be described as new species/subspecies and/or genera. All of them, however, clustered within the ascomycete orders of Dothideales, Chaetothyriales, and Pleosporales. Field studies show that these organisms cause color changes, black spots, crater shaped lesions as well as chipping and exfoliation of the rock surfaces in Antalya and thus they have to be regarded as a serious threat to the antique cultural heritage in Turkey.

Black microcolonial fungi as deteriogens of two famous marble statues in Florence, Italy

“…Coniosporium, Phaeococcomyces, and Sarcinomyces are wellknown rock-inhabiting MCF genera (Sterflinger and Prillinger, 2001;Bogomolova and Minter, 2003;Sert et al, 2007) with high morphological similarity to M4, D1, and D3.…”

“…Analysis and characterization of dark discolorations and crusts on marble are of primary concern for restorers as they choose the appropriate conservation treatment. Microcolonial fungi form cauliflower-like microcolonies on and in rocks, incrusting the surface with melanin and imparting a dark, blackish brown appearance to the rock surface (Sert et al, 2007). These organisms are slow-growing and natural inhabitants of rock surfaces, in contrast to many other darkly pigmented airborne fungi that are only deposited on rocks (Diakumaku et al, 1995).…”

“…In a rock ecosystem, black MCF and yeast-like fungi, which are regular inhabitants, play an important role in its structural and esthetic alteration (Sert et al, 2007) and are considered among the most harmful microorganisms associated with monumental stone biodeterioration (Urzí et al, 2000). Marble damage seems not to be caused by acid formation and mineral dissolution (Diakumaku et al, 1995;Wollenzien et al, 1995), but it is hypothesized that these fungi may exert a mechanical destructive force on marble (Sterflinger and Krumbein, 1997).…”

Cryptogam covers on sepulchral monuments and re-colonization of a marble surface after cleaning

“…isolate MA 4760, next related to Sarcinomyces petricola (Sert et al 2007;Wollenzien et al 1997), whereas the most abundant OTU 19 retrieved from the old grown biofilm (sample B) is related to Rhinocladiella sp. MA 4765 isolated from antique marble in Turkey (Sert et al 2007).…”

“…isolate MA 4760, next related to Sarcinomyces petricola (Sert et al 2007;Wollenzien et al 1997), whereas the most abundant OTU 19 retrieved from the old grown biofilm (sample B) is related to Rhinocladiella sp. MA 4765 isolated from antique marble in Turkey (Sert et al 2007). The black filamentous Rhinocladiella is free living, but also parasitic on lichens (Harutyunyan et al 2008): Sarcinomyces is affiliated to meristematic black yeasts.…”