Microbial diversity of archaeological ruins of Liangzhu City and its correlation with environmental factors

Researchers have uncovered significant temporal and spatial variations in microbial diversity at the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, highlighting its potential impact on earthen ruin conservation. The study found that prokaryotic diversity fluctuated with seasons and locations, while eukaryotic diversity was more influenced by geographic factors. Key soil properties such as water content, pH, nutrients, and metal ions—particularly calcium, magnesium, and aluminum—showed strong correlations with microbial diversity, all of which are critical for soil stability. This groundbreaking work provides the first comprehensive dataset linking microbial activity to environmental conditions at this World Heritage Site, offering crucial insights for preventive conservation strategies in humid regions.

Wang, Y., Huang, W., Han, Y., Huang, X., Wang, C., Ma, K., Kong, M., Jiang, N., & Pan, J. (2022). Microbial diversity of archaeological ruins of Liangzhu City and its correlation with environmental factors. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 175, 105501. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2022.105501