Effect of ultraviolet radiation on the growth of microorganisms developing on cave wall paintings

The growth of lampenflora detracts the natural beauty of cave walls, and threatens their archaeological value. This is a real problem in Malaysian caves; therefore, an attempt should be made to eliminate these unwanted microorganisms. Ultraviolet light destroys harmful microbes such as bacteria, yea...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Aisha, M. A., Maznah, W. O.
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Caves
Historical structures
Microorganisms
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Reptiles
Ultraviolet radiation
Yeast
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Summary:The growth of lampenflora detracts the natural beauty of cave walls, and threatens their archaeological value. This is a real problem in Malaysian caves; therefore, an attempt should be made to eliminate these unwanted microorganisms. Ultraviolet light destroys harmful microbes such as bacteria, yeast, molds, viruses and algae, and ultraviolet radiation is less toxic to cave dwellers such as birds, reptiles and visitors. So ultraviolet radiation can be a way to control microorganisms or reduce their numbers. In this study, we studied the effect of ultraviolet radiation on microorganisms isolated from selected Malaysian caves to control and eliminate them After5 minutes exposure, 254nm UV-C effectively eliminated colonies of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas sp. But P. guilliermondii and R. dairenensis were eliminated to the zero after 30 minutes of treatment, but C. Liquefaciens needed 60 minutes to be treated. Synechochococcus sp and Micractinium sp. fell to zero after exposure to 240 of UV-C.
ISSN:0094-243X
1551-7616
DOI:10.1063/1.5048178