Biodeterioration of calcareous and granitic building stones in urban environments

Abstract

Abstract Scanning electron microscopy in secondary (SEM) and back-scattered (BSEM) mode associated with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy has been used to investigate decay features associated with biological colonization of calcareous and granitic building stones in monuments and rock outcrops in the UK, Portugal and Spain. In combination with physical decay caused by lichen hyphae penetrating the stone substrate, this study reveals how chemical attack by organic acid exudates derived from metabolic activity of lichens and leading to the crystallization and growth of inorganic salt compounds within the stone microfabric is contributing to the destruction and weakening of the building stone surface. BSEM analysis is particularly useful in showing extensive dissolution and corrosion of mineral surfaces underneath biological patinas. Both Ca-sulphate (gypsum) and Ca-oxalate (weddellite) precipitates are clearly associated with the presence of fungal hyphae and bacterial activity particularly in the case of calcareous building stones; the Ca-oxalates present in the example examined are then the result of biomineralization processes and do not derive from past restoration treatments or from air pollution as suggested by many authors. In urban locations, lichenous cover may facilitate the deposition of particulate airborne pollutants on the stone surface. Biological patinas are by no means forming a protective layer on the biocolonized substrate; as is the case with sulphate or non-sulphate soiling patinas from urban air pollution, they act as localized sites of intense desegregation of the stone underneath. Their promot (but careful) removal and a biocidal treatment of the infested sites in the building is then suggested to avoid permanent loss of detail, particularly harmful in the case of carved surfaces.