Factors Determining the Biodiversity of Halophilic Microorganisms on Historic Masonry Buildings.

ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to obtain insights into the relationship between the chemical (salt content and pH) and physico-mechanical (humidity and compressive strength) properties of mineral-based materials from historic buildings with salt efflorescence and the growth and biodiversity of halophilic microorganisms. Samples were mainly characterized by pH 6.5-8.5 and a moisture content of between 0.12 and 3.3%. Significant variations were also found in the salt content (sulfates, chlorides, and nitrates) of the materials. An SEM/EDS analysis of material surfaces revealed the presence of halite, calcite, gypsum, sodium sulfate, and potassium-sodium sulfate. Culture-dependent and culture-independent (clone library construction) approaches were both applied to detect halophilic microorg

SUBMITTER: Otlewska A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5478540 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature