Epilithic Microalgae Isolated from Biofilm on Borobudur Temple Stone

A pioneering study successfully isolated and identified nine epilithic microalgae species from the biofilm on Borobudur Temple stones, marking the first such identification for this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The isolates include Ankistrodesmus falcatus, Tetraselmis cordiformis, Pseudendoclonium arthropyreniae, Anabaena cylindrica, Nostoc gelatinosum, Oscillatoria limnetica, Messastrum gracile, Stigeoclonium aestivale, and Scenedesmus acuminatus. The research employed light microscopy for morphological observation and molecular techniques (18S rRNA gene sequencing) to confirm eukaryotic identification. This study highlights the potential role of microalgae in the biodeterioration of Borobudur's porous stone materials, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring to preserve this cultural heritage.

Purbani, D. C., Putri, A. L., & Habibi, Moh. (2020). Epilithic Microalgae Isolated from Biofilm on Borobudur Temple Stone. Journal of Tropical Biodiversity and Biotechnology, 5(3), 239. https://doi.org/10.22146/jtbb.59216