{"title":"Enhancing the durability of historic brick masonry: The role of diammonium phosphate and chitosan in reducing salt-induced damage","authors":"Clelia Marrone, Elisa Franzoni","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.03.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.03.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Salt crystallization represents a serious threat to historic architecture worldwide, causing structural and aesthetic damage due to the accumulation of salts in porous building materials, such as bricks. Historic masonry is particularly vulnerable to this type of damage due to the complex interactions between salts and its porous matrix. Salt crystallization modifiers have proven to be valid candidates in reducing the detrimental effects of salt crystallization within porous materials, thereby prolonging the lifespan of historic structures. In this research, chitosan was selected as crystallization inhibitor, considering his remarkable properties in terms of sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Applied to brick samples in combination with a phosphatic treatment based on diammonium phosphate, it resulted an encouraging new solution to reduce salt crystallization damage without affecting the material's properties and hence showing a good compatibility, although further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of the chitosan-based treatments for in-the-field applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"73 ","pages":"Pages 150-157"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143706416","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ting Zhao , Yu-Tong Kou , Nian-Chen Ding , Jian-Feng Zhu , Wen-Zong Yang , Yi Liu , Yi Qin
{"title":"Boosting the consolidation and antibacterial dual-functionalities of Ca(OH)2 mural restoration materials via supporting Ag/g-C3N4 on hexagonal nano-Ca(OH)2","authors":"Ting Zhao , Yu-Tong Kou , Nian-Chen Ding , Jian-Feng Zhu , Wen-Zong Yang , Yi Liu , Yi Qin","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.03.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.03.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> is a well-known commercial inorganic consolidation material, which is used to restore tomb murals. Herein, nano-Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> with a high specific surface grown by molecular confinement method was supported with photocatalyst Ag/g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> to form a highly permeable Ag/g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>/Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub>, which achieved consolidation and antibacterial properties of simulated murals. Ag/g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>/Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> forms a unique gradient permeation structure on tomb murals. In this structure, the Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> nanomaterial penetrates deeply, while the Ag/g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>-rich layers remain on the mural surfaces. The Ag/g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>-rich layer effectively protects the murals from bacteria. The results indicate that the Ag/g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>/Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> nanocomposite significantly enhances the mural's strength and antibacterial properties when the silver ion doping content is 0.24. Its strengthening performance is 2 times higher than commercial Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub>, while its antibacterial rate reaches 58.38 %, primarily due to its high permeability and stability. Further aging experiments indicate that the synthesized Ag<sub>0.24</sub>/g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>/Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> nanocomposite has no adverse effect on the mural's pigment layer. This work offers a new method for developing effective materials to protect tomb murals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"73 ","pages":"Pages 172-184"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143706415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effects of combined increase in temperature and CO2 concentration on the weathering activity of phototrophic organisms inhabiting granitic rocks and its implications in terms of cultural heritage conservation","authors":"Elsa Fuentes , Diana Pérez-Velón , Beatriz Prieto","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.03.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.03.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increase in CO<sub>2</sub> concentration and temperature observed in the current context of climate change may cause changes in the behavior of phototrophic organisms colonising stone cultural heritage, leading to undesirable changes in terms of biodeterioration. In this study, we examined the combined effect of both parameters (18°C or 24°C and ambient or high CO<sub>2</sub> concentration) on the physiological state of organisms and on granite weathering through experiments involving a green alga (<em>Bracteacococcus minor</em>) and a cyanobacterium (<em>Synechocystis</em> sp. PCC 6803) grown in medium containing granite. The results revealed an increase in the green algae population relative to the cyanobacteria at lower temperature and a reduction in biomass and efficiency during the early stages of culture development at the higher temperature. In addition, although rock weathering was favoured by modification of the solution equilibrium through cation uptake by the organisms no significant differences in response to environmental conditions were detected.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"73 ","pages":"Pages 185-194"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143724629","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gomaa Abdel-Maksoud , Asmaa M. Fahim , Rokaya A. Sobh
{"title":"Preliminary evaluation of green terpolymer of nano poly (methyl methacrylate/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate/acrylamide) for the consolidation of bone artifacts","authors":"Gomaa Abdel-Maksoud , Asmaa M. Fahim , Rokaya A. Sobh","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.03.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.03.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Weakness and fragility are the main aspects of damage to archaeological bones in excavation areas, museums and storage facilities caused by improper conditions. The objective of the study is to assess the efficacy of nano-terpolymers composed of methyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, and acrylamide, which have been synthesized under environmentally friendly conditions, for the consolidation of bone artifacts. To achieve this study, samples of modern sheep animal bones were prepared and subjected to thermal aging. Subsequently, these samples were treated with the prepared terpolymer at different concentrations. The treated samples were then thermally aged to test the efficiency of the material. The characteristics of the prepared terpolymer were measured using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermo gravimetric analysis (TAG). The bone samples treated with different concentrations of the prepared terpolymer were analyzed before and after heat aging using modeling, different microscopes and measurement of color change. The findings from the majority of investigation conducted in this study suggest that the ideal concentration of the polymer for the treatment of fragile and weak bones is 4 % followed by 2 % being the next most effective concentration. The 6 % concentration should be disregarded, as it produced unfavorable outcomes from a conservation perspective. Moreover, the density functional theory (DFT) investigation of the synthesized terpolymer with bone structure showed the electrostatic intramolecular hydrogen bond interaction with amino acids of collagen and calcium hydroxyapatite which gave it stability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"73 ","pages":"Pages 139-149"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143683127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ming Guan , Peiquan Duan , Yao Chen , Tianshu Gong , Xiaojing Kang , Jingjing Chang , Zhikang Hu , Xinyi Wang , Liang Qu
{"title":"A study on the deterioration behavior and manufacturing techniques of reverse mirror painting from the hall of mental cultivation, palace museum","authors":"Ming Guan , Peiquan Duan , Yao Chen , Tianshu Gong , Xiaojing Kang , Jingjing Chang , Zhikang Hu , Xinyi Wang , Liang Qu","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.02.016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.02.016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Glass painting was a popular art form in both China and Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, with reverse mirror painting being one of its most iconic examples. Typically crafted on tin amalgam mirror, reverse mirror paintings were both rare and valuable, though their fragility and instability of the tin amalgam coating made them difficult to preserve. Despite their historical significance, most research has focused primarily on the artistic characteristics and origins of these works, with limited attention given to the assessment of their condition, deterioration mechanisms, and manufacturing techniques. This study presents a comprehensive scientific analysis of a reverse mirror painting from the Hall of Mental Cultivation at the Palace Museum. Various methods were employed, including optical microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry, macroscopic X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, microregion X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The study uncovered the painting's manufacturing techniques through morphological observation, literature review, and pigment identification. It also provided insights into the deterioration processes and mechanisms in different areas of the artwork, suggesting that its condition may be linked to exposure to oxygen. In conclusion, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the deterioration behavior and manufacturing techniques of reverse mirror paintings, offering valuable insights for their conservation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"73 ","pages":"Pages 122-128"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143643772","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Iñaki Vázquez-de la Fuente , Idoia Etxebarria , Ilaria Costantini , Jennifer Huidobro , Marco Veneranda , Nagore Prieto-Taboada , Giuseppe Di Girolami , Aitor Larrañaga , Angela Di Lillo , Marina Caso , Mario Notomista , Rossella Di Lauro , Kepa Castro , Gorka Arana , Juan Manuel Madariaga
{"title":"Multianalytical study of neapolitan yellow tuff rotting: Archaeological park of herculaneum as a representative case of study","authors":"Iñaki Vázquez-de la Fuente , Idoia Etxebarria , Ilaria Costantini , Jennifer Huidobro , Marco Veneranda , Nagore Prieto-Taboada , Giuseppe Di Girolami , Aitor Larrañaga , Angela Di Lillo , Marina Caso , Mario Notomista , Rossella Di Lauro , Kepa Castro , Gorka Arana , Juan Manuel Madariaga","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.02.019","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.02.019","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE buried Herculaneum under volcanic material, preserving its structures and organic materials remarkably well. Today, this site is known as the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum. Unfortunately, exposure to environmental factors has led to the degradation of Neapolitan Yellow Tuff (NYT), a material commonly used in Roman buildings, through a process known as rotting. This study, conducted by the Herculaneum Archaeological Park (PAERCO) and the Herculaneum Conservation Project (HCP) in collaboration with the IBeA research group (Research and Innovation in Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU), aimed to understand the tuff rotting process. By combining in-situ non-destructive analyses with laboratory investigations, it was determined, that NYT rotting is caused by the capillary ascent of saline-rich ground humidity, leading to internal stress from salt crystallization, with sodium sulphate identified as a critical threat. Furthermore, the analyses indicated that salts chemically react with NYT's minerals, causing the selective loss of its cementing material (zeolites). The study of soil samples revealed that the risk of rotting varies across the park due to differences in salt concentration and composition. These insights will help PAERCO and HCP identify high-risk areas and implement preventive measures, including the use of portable XRF instruments for ongoing monitoring and preservation of the site's historic structures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"73 ","pages":"Pages 129-138"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143683137","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sofie Dierickx , Hans Beeckman , Ivan Josipovic , Célia Charkaoui , Siska Genbrugge , Julien Volper , Blanca Van Houtte Alonso , Matthieu Boone , Wannes Hubau , JanVan den Bulcke
{"title":"Bridging technology and culture: X-ray µCT-based wood identification of Sub-Saharan African heritage","authors":"Sofie Dierickx , Hans Beeckman , Ivan Josipovic , Célia Charkaoui , Siska Genbrugge , Julien Volper , Blanca Van Houtte Alonso , Matthieu Boone , Wannes Hubau , JanVan den Bulcke","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.03.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.03.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wood identification of cultural heritage objects is vital for facilitating their international travel, providing invaluable information for conservation strategies and improving our understanding of the objects’ historical and cultural context. To date, wood identification is most commonly performed using techniques that rely on sampling, which is especially undesirable for valuable cultural objects. X-ray micro-tomography (µCT) offers a non-destructive alternative for gaining insight into the material composition of objects. It is a tool for identifying the wood species by visualizing the internal wood structure without changing the object. However, obtaining sufficiently high-resolution anatomical images that can be used for identification remains a challenge, particularly when examining diverse heritage objects.</div><div>This study applies µCT for the wood identification of 20 heritage objects from the Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA, Belgium), showcasing the efficacy of this non-invasive technique. Despite variations in the size, shape, and material composition of the objects, successful wood identification was achieved for all objects. Since two objects contained more than one wood species, the total number of identifications was 22, of which 18 were to the species level. For the four remaining samples, wood identification was achieved at the genus level (3 samples) or identified as a liana (1 sample).</div><div>Additionally, by obtaining a wood identification through X-ray µCT images, the physical and mechanical properties of the wood species were discussed in relation to the objects' original context and function. Specifically, lightweight wood species were found in objects with a portable function such as masks and a toy, while low-durability wood used in a funerary object could be linked to its symbolic role. Two musical instruments were identified as being made from wood species known for their acoustic qualities. These findings highlight the significant potential of advanced non-destructive imaging using µCT for wood identification, providing much-needed material and contextual insights into previously understudied museum collections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"73 ","pages":"Pages 110-121"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143643697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Manli Sun , Haoyang Kang , Weijia Mao , Nuo Xu , Yating Lin , Kai Deng
{"title":"Soft capping help rammed soil resists rainfalls: A simulation experiment of consolidation performance of soft capping on rammed soil under precipitation","authors":"Manli Sun , Haoyang Kang , Weijia Mao , Nuo Xu , Yating Lin , Kai Deng","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.02.018","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.02.018","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The importance of soft capping, one preventive conservation method on earthen sites, is increasingly felt, particularly to rammed earth relics, whereas actual resistance abilities of soft-capped soil against short and intensive rains remains unclear. In this research, we used two specific herbaceous plants to soft cap large-scale rammed soil samples. Strength tests and simulation experiments were used to unveil erosion characteristics. Root structures were specifically observed to further reveal their influence on consolidation performances. Results indicate that pulling resistance of soft-capped rammed soil samples increases a lot. Compression by ramming and soil aggregation owing to secretions released by roots lead to significant improvement of the whole stability. When exposed to precipitation, the soil mass of soft-capping samples decreases sharply, whereas diverse root growth patterns impact soil erosion degree. More horizontally extended roots at the early growth stage of herbaceous plants help reduce the occurrence of surface deterioration like cracks, collapses, and gullies to a large extent. By contrast, those grow more fibrous roots in all directions can both decrease sectional deformation and maintain the whole stability. This is the first study concerning how and to what degree soft capping could consolidate rammed soil, which sheds light on prospective application of herbaceous plants with distinct roots to meet diverse conservation needs of rammed soil relics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"73 ","pages":"Pages 102-109"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143629456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Iñaki Vázquez-de la Fuente, Sara Puente-Muñoz, Nagore Prieto-Taboada, Gorka Arana, Juan Manuel Madariaga
{"title":"Using novel natural gels for the cleaning of iron leachates on marble","authors":"Iñaki Vázquez-de la Fuente, Sara Puente-Muñoz, Nagore Prieto-Taboada, Gorka Arana, Juan Manuel Madariaga","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.02.020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.02.020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Marble is vulnerable to metallic leaching, resulting in structural damage and the alteration of its appearance. With an increase in the use of steel in heritage works, there is a high risk of iron mobilisation, which can result in the orange staining on nearby surfaces. This issue becomes especially relevant when dealing with marble structures of historical significance. To address this, conservators seek cleaning materials tailored to the specific structure without causing harm to the original surface. Agar, a substance that has been extensively studied, proves to be effective as a hydrogel by creating a controlled water release system, accommodating the needs of conservators for optimal cleanliness without compromising the material. In order to enhance cleaning efficiency, chelating agents like EDTA can be incorporated into the agar hydrogel composition. However, drawbacks such as microbiological growth and resultant damage on the surface of the original material must be considered. To overcome these challenges, alternative natural cleaning materials like gels made of kudzu and konjac are explored, combined with green chelating agents such as citrate, <span>l</span>-cysteine and oxalate. Different analytical techniques were used to characterize the mock-ups, before and after the staining, and to evaluate their cleaning potential, such us Raman spectroscopy, colorimetry, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Moreover, two reproducible and easily applicable methods to generate iron staining in marble mock-ups have been developed because of their absence in the literature. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of goethite and lepidocrocite, the main minerals in real iron staining. Using XRF spectroscopy, it was found that the leachate method produced a staining with the highest amount of iron, while the Mohr method produced more homogeneous staining. Konjac gels were found to be the most effective for removing iron staining from marble surfaces when compared to other gels. In addition, konjac gels require less energy in their preparation because no heat is used in their preparation. Their efficiency is further enhanced by the addition of the chelators <span>l</span>-cysteine and citrate, being an ideal alternative to EDTA in cleaning iron staining from marble surfaces. The use of EDTA chelator is not recommended on marble surfaces due to its high affinity for calcium and the fact that, unlike the <span>l</span>-cysteine and citrate chelators, it is highly toxic to the environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"73 ","pages":"Pages 93-101"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143628653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mahsa Esmaeillou , Mohammad Sohrabi , Hamideh Ofoghi , Miguel Blázquez , Sergio Pérez-Ortega , Asunción de los Ríos
{"title":"Biodeterioration effects of the endolithic Bagliettoa sp. (lichenized verrucariaceae) on the limestones of persepolis, UNESCO world heritage site","authors":"Mahsa Esmaeillou , Mohammad Sohrabi , Hamideh Ofoghi , Miguel Blázquez , Sergio Pérez-Ortega , Asunción de los Ríos","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.02.014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.02.014","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines the role played by the endolithic thallus of the lichen-forming fungi <em>Bagliettoa</em> sp., an apparently undescribed species, in the biodeterioration of Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iran. This species produces abundant large reproductive bodies (perithecia) creating micropits with aesthetic impacts that persist even after the lichen is no longer present. The aim of this study was to gain insight into how these micropits develop and their effects on colonized limestone. By both light and electron microscopy, the various stages of micropit development were examined from the emergence of perithecia on the stone surface until their decay. The potential for other microorganisms to colonize these micropits and the surrounding stone was also assessed through metabarcoding analysis. Our results indicate that the formation and emergence of perithecia caused more pronounced structural damage to the limestone than reported biogeochemical processes attributed to the endolithic spread of symbiont cells within the stone. As the thallus and perithecium disintegrate, micropits fill with mineral fragments, while micrite and algal layers vanish. This eventually leads to the removal of up 0.5 mm of stone surface, leaving behind a surface marked by empty, shallow micropits. Bacterial colonies were observed at all defined stages, initially associated with the micrite layer and later with perithecium remnants. No specific signs of biodeterioration activity on the limestone could be attributed to these bacterial colonies. Metabarcoding results revealed a lower bacterial diversity in micropits with healthy perithecia and a greater abundance of cyanobacteria compared to empty micropits or those containing only perithecium remnants. However, no significant differences in bacterial community structure were detected across the different micropit stages, suggesting that new taxa rarely become established during micropit development. Our study provides new insight into the effects of endolithic lichens associated with perithecium micropit formation. Knowledge of this biodeterioration mechanism is essential for the design of preservation strategies for Persepolis and other sites featuring the dominance of these lichens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"73 ","pages":"Pages 82-92"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143620081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}