Cyanobacterial, Algal and Fungal biofilm on sandstone substrata of Eiffel's Lock in Bečej (Serbia)

Abstract

Biofilm on sandstone substrata of Eiffel´s Lock in Bečej contains complex consortia of algae, cyanobacteria and fungi. Filamentous cyanobacteria (Nostoc sp, Leptolyngbia sp., Stigonema ocellatum) and green algae (Desmococcus olivaceus and Haemaotococcus pluvialis) formed dense mucous layer with characteristic coloration of substrata. Melanized fungal structures (hyphae, chlamydospores and conidia) were intertwined with cyanobacteria and algae formed biofilm. Dominant fungal genera were Alternaria, Aureobasidium, Bipolaris, Cladosporium, Drechslera, Epicoccum, belongs to Dematiaceous hyphomycetes. Biofilm constituents’ interaction results in the bioweathering of the sandstone substrata through mechanical penetration, acid corrosion and production of secondary mycogenic biominerals. Modern concept of conservation of cultural and historic monuments implements multidisciplinary process and collaboration of art and science.