The Role of Bacteria in Pink Stone Discoloration: Insights from Batalha Monastery

Pink discoloration on the Ançã limestone of Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Portugal, is primarily driven by bacterial biofilms producing carotenoid pigments. Key bacterial genera identified include Bacillus, Gordonia, Serratia, Methylobacterium, and Halalkalicoccus, with high-throughput DNA sequencing and culture-dependent methods revealing their role in biodeterioration. Biocolonization tests using stone mock-ups under simulated monastery conditions confirmed the link between bacterial activity and discoloration, offering critical insights for targeted conservation strategies.

Silva, I., Salvador, C., Miller, A. Z., Candeias, A., & Caldeira, A. T. (2024). The Role of Bacteria in Pink Stone Discoloration: Insights from Batalha Monastery. Micro, 4(4), 778–797. https://doi.org/10.3390/micro4040048