Protective effect of endolithic fungal hyphae on oolitic limestone buildings

This study presents characterizations of weathering forms of the same oolitic limestone from four quarries and eight monuments exposed on various environmental conditions focusing on the waterproofing effect of endolithic organic matter. Patinas were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning ele...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of cultural heritage 2012-04, Vol.13 (2), p.120-127
Main Authors: Concha-Lozano, Nicolas, Gaudon, Pierre, Pages, Jacques, de Billerbeck, Gisel, Lafon, Dominique, Eterradossi, Olivier
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Capillary
Condensed Matter
Durability
Earth Sciences
Environment and Society
Environmental Sciences
Geomorphology
Gypsum
Lichens
Materials Science
Monument
Patina
Physics
Sciences of the Universe
Stone
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Summary:This study presents characterizations of weathering forms of the same oolitic limestone from four quarries and eight monuments exposed on various environmental conditions focusing on the waterproofing effect of endolithic organic matter. Patinas were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX), capillarity coefficient through weathered and unweathered sides, gypsum content and porous network morphology by epoxy resin molding. Study of weathering forms on old quarries indicates that lichens colonization (Verrucaria nigrescens and Caloplaca aurantia) can fill the superficial porous network with a dense network of lichenised fungal hyphae. Capillary coefficient measurement on natural and calcinated samples showed that endolithic organic matter can waterproof the stone and could act as a sulfate contamination barrier. Similar endolithic organic layer due to ancient lichens growth are found on some antique monuments of the Nîmes downtown and could explain their well-preserved state, unlike decayed 19th century churches that were never colonized by lichens.
ISSN:1296-2074
1778-3674
DOI:10.1016/j.culher.2011.07.006