Unraveling the microbiomes contributing to biodeterioration dynamics of limestone heritage at the Longmen Grottoes archeological site

Nitrification emerges as the dominant process driving biodeterioration divergence in limestone heritage at the Longmen Grottoes. This study reveals that microbial communities, particularly cyanobacteria acting as primary organic carbon producers, fuel biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur, leading to mineral corrosion through microbial acid production during ammonia oxidation and nitrification. By comparing physicochemical characteristics between low and high biodeterioration caves, the research identifies keystone microbial functions shaping these dynamics. The findings highlight the critical role of nitrification in stone degradation, providing a foundation for sustainable conservation strategies against microbially induced damage.

Zhang, X., Ma, C., Wu, F., & Liu, X. (2026). Unraveling the microbiomes contributing to biodeterioration dynamics of limestone heritage at the Longmen Grottoes archeological site. Microbiome, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-025-02324-2