Abstract
The CATS project focuses on the control, prevention and monitoring of
cyanobacteria-dominated biofilms that cause damage to rock surfaces in Roman
hypogea. It develops and integrates physical and biotechnological methods
intended to limit the growth of microorganisms on valuable archaeological
surfaces, and applies analytical methods to monitor the presence and the
extent of the microbial damage. As in other hypogea, the development of
biofilms is favoured by the limited air circulation, the even temperature
throughout the year, and the high level of humidity. Biofilms composed of
sciaphilous chroococcal and filamentous cyanobacteria associated with other
microorganisms develop thanks to the light gradients that occur in the
proximity of entrances and artificial lamps. Terrestrial cyanobacteria and
associated microorganisms are the first colonisers of exposed lithic faces and
their extensive development is supported by the mineral composition of the
substrata and facilitated by the porous nature of the, mostly calcareous,
surfaces.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Molecular Biology and Cultural Heritage |
| Editors | C. Saiz-Jimenez |
| Place of Publication | Lisse |
| Publisher | Balkema |
| Pages | 151 - 162 |
| ISBN (Print) | 90-5809-555-X |
| Publication status | Published - 2003 |
| MoE publication type | D2 Article in professional manuals or guides or professional information systems or text book material |