Uncovering the Fungal Diversity and Biodeterioration Phenomenon on Archaeological Carvings of the Badami Cave Temples: A Microcosm Study

Research on the Badami Cave Temples, part of India's candidate UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals that fungi such as Acremonium, Curvularia, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and notably Aspergillus, are key agents in biodeterioration. These fungi produce acids that dissolve calcium carbonate, lowering pH levels on the cave surfaces and promoting biomineralization. The study used high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to analyze acid production and monitored its impact on calcite dissolution. This finding highlights the role of fungal communities in stone degradation, offering critical insights for the preservation of archaeological carvings.

Agrawal, S., Khumlianlal, J., & Devi, S. I. (2023). Uncovering the Fungal Diversity and Biodeterioration Phenomenon on Archaeological Carvings of the Badami Cave Temples: A Microcosm Study. Life, 14(1), 28. https://doi.org/10.3390/life14010028