Microbial induced stone discoloration in alcobaça monastery: A comprehensive study

A comprehensive study of the Alcobaça Monastery reveals that microbial biofilms are responsible for the extensive pink discoloration observed on its stone walls and columns. High-throughput sequencing identified halotolerant bacteria such as Rubrobacter radiotolerans, Domibacillus robiginosus, Bacillus licheniformis, and Halalkalicoccus sp. as key contributors to this phenomenon, which is consistently associated with salt efflorescences at a height of 40 cm from the floor. The research provides critical insights for conservators, suggesting that understanding microbial communities can guide effective conservation strategies for such monuments.

Silva, I., Dias, L., Salvador, C., Miller, A. Z., Candeias, A., & Caldeira, A. T. (2024). Microbial induced stone discoloration in alcobaça monastery: A comprehensive study. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 67, 248–257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2024.03.011