Phenotypic and Molecular Biological Characterization of Cyanobacteria from Marble Surfaces of Treated and Untreated Sites of Propylaea (Acropolis, Athens)

A study on the Acropolis' Propylaea marbles revealed that cyanobacterial communities, which contribute to marble degradation through their endolithic lifestyle, were significantly reduced on treated surfaces compared to untreated ones. Using both phenotypic and molecular approaches, researchers identified 13 phenotypes and 10 phylotypes of cyanobacteria in two sampling sites, with the treated site showing a notable decrease in diversity. This suggests that biocide treatment can effectively mitigate aesthetic damage caused by these microorganisms, offering potential conservation strategies for marble structures.

Lamprinou, V., Mammali, M., Katsifas, E. A., Pantazidou, A. I., & Karagouni, A. D. (2013). Phenotypic and Molecular Biological Characterization of Cyanobacteria from Marble Surfaces of Treated and Untreated Sites of Propylaea (Acropolis, Athens). Geomicrobiology Journal, 30(4), 371–378. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490451.2012.690021