Microbial tapestry of the Shulgan-Tash cave (Southern Ural, Russia): influences of environmental factors on the taxonomic composition of the cave biofilms

Cave biofilms in Shulgan-Tash, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Paleolithic rock paintings, pose a significant threat to the preservation of these ancient artworks. A study reveals that Actinobacteria-dominated microbial communities, influenced by environmental factors such as substrate composition and CO2 levels, contribute to biocorrosion on cave walls. Additionally, a unique 'CaveCurd' community with Gammaproteobacteria prevalence was identified in deeper cave sections, highlighting the diverse microbiota adapted to extreme conditions. The research used molecular taxonomic analysis to categorize biofilm morphotypes and assess their impact on the cave's environmental stability.

Gogoleva, N., Chervyatsova, O., Balkin, A., Kuzmina, L., Shagimardanova, E., Kiseleva, D., & Gogolev, Y. (2023). Microbial tapestry of the Shulgan-Tash cave (Southern Ural, Russia): influences of environmental factors on the taxonomic composition of the cave biofilms. Environmental Microbiome, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40793-023-00538-1