Optimal Growth Conditions of Microorganisms Isolated from the Buyeo Royal Tomb No. 1 and Their Effects on Painting Layers

Abstract

The Buyeo Royal Tomb No. 1 is an ancient tomb built in the late 6 th and early 7 th century. The four walls of the main room have murals of four guardian deities, and the ceiling has murals of lotus and cloud patterns. This study assessed the optimal growth conditions of two fungal (Fusarium oxysporum, Mortierella sp.) and four bacterial (Bacillus cereus, Cupriavidus campinensis, Streptomyces avidinii, Streptomyces cirratus) strains isolated from the Tomb No. 1, along with their effects on the painting layer. The two fungi showed optimal growth at 20˚C -30˚C under both nutrient and non-nutrient conditions. These strains did not decompose or discolor the three pigments (cinnabar, hematite, oyster shell white); however, M. sp. showed slight decomposition of the media (starch paste, sea weed). The four bacterial strains showed the most active growth at 20˚C -25˚C under nutrient conditions and did not grow under non-nutrient conditions. These bacteria commonly degraded animal glue and sea weed components. In addition, S. cirratus degraded starch. The genus Streptomyces discolored the pigment medium to brown and black, suggesting a possible risk of discoloration of the murals. The current environment in Tomb No. 1 was sufficient for microorganism growth, and the presence of strains such as soil bacteria and actinomycetes on the mural surface may damage the murals. The findings of this study could be helpful for preserving mural tombs against biological damage caused by microorganisms that are already present or may be present in the tombs in the future. These findings also provide guidelines for comprehensive conservation management.