Bryological Flora and Its Biodeteriogenic Effect on the Stones of the Archaeological Site of Volubilis in Morocco

Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Volubilis, Morocco, reveals that 16 bryophyte species—all acrocarp mosses—significantly contribute to stone biodeterioration. These taxa, belonging to five orders, seven families (with Pottiaceae dominating), and 13 genera, thrive in the site's humid conditions, particularly in material joints, leading to aesthetic changes and structural damage over time. The study employed systematic sampling along walls and cobblestones to identify these species, highlighting their destructive potential on historical substrates.

Dabghi, A., Achoual, K., El Khaddari, A., Bouhssini, A., Belahbib, N., Benharbit, M., & Dahmani, J. (2025). Bryological Flora and Its Biodeteriogenic Effect on the Stones of the Archaeological Site of Volubilis in Morocco. Technical Innovation and Modeling in the Biological Sciences, 81–92. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-9450-2.ch004