Abstract
In many historic monuments in which signs of biodeterioration have been frequently reported, dolostones were used as dimension stone for their construction. In an effort to assess the influence of the texture of dolostones on their potential bioreceptivity, we characterized microbial colonization strategies in dolostone samples of predictably different textural features by scanning electron microscopy in back scattered electron mode (SEM-BSE), low temperature scanning electron microscopy (LTSEM), transmission light microscopy (TLM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). Fungi were the predominant microorganisms in the dolostones examined and their colonization showed three well defined stages with the final consequence of complete rock disaggregation. The results of this study indicate that porosity differences (mainly the extent and type) were particularly relevant for determining the presence and extent of each colonization stage. As a determinant of bioreceptivity, the porosity of dolostones will also condition the decay processes associated with this colonization. These findings highlight the fact that the intrinsic properties of dolostones, such as texture, need to be considered when selecting this type of stone for future construction projects.
Highlights
As reflected in our architectural heritage, dolostone has been a valuable building stone throughout the course of human history
Dolostone was used as dimension stone in the construction of many historic monuments (1-3) owing to its unique properties such as good workability, durability and broad distribution across the Earth's surface
Besides physical and chemical agents, it is well-known that biological colonization plays a major role in rock decay (5)
Summary
As reflected in our architectural heritage, dolostone has been a valuable building stone throughout the course of human history. Dolostone was used as dimension stone in the construction of many historic monuments (1-3) owing to its unique properties such as good workability, durability and broad distribution across the Earth's surface. Many of these dolostone monuments still stand today, signs of deterioration processes on their stone surfaces have been frequently reported (4). The characterization of physico-chemical properties of building materials such as surface roughness, initial porosity and mineralogical nature, has been considered essential for assessing their bioreceptivity and their susceptibility to biodeterioration (11-14)
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