An invisible world in our monuments: Microcolonial fungi, challenges and opportunities
Keywords:
Microcolonial fungi, biodeterioration, cultural heritageAbstract
When we admire a historic monument, we rarely think about the tiny enemies that threaten it. Among them, microcolonial fungi stand out for their incredible adaptability. These organisms colonize stone surfaces, forming dark stains and weakening the structure from within by penetrating pores and cracks, where they secrete acids that dissolve minerals. Although biocide treatments exist to combat them, their resistance remains a challenge. Here, we invite you to explore the world of these microorganisms and how their persistence poses a challenge to the conservation of our cultural heritage.
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