Microbial Community Analysis of Fresh and Old Microbial Biofilms on Bayon Temple Sandstone of Angkor Thom, Cambodia

A comparative analysis of microbial biofilms on the sandstone surfaces of Angkor Thom's Bayon Temple reveals distinct differences between fresh and old biofilms. While bacterial communities remain consistent, eukaryotic diversity varies significantly, offering insights into biodeterioration processes in tropical regions. The study employed 16S and 18S rRNA gene sequencing to identify 11 bacterial, 11 eukaryotic, and two archaeal divisions, including Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Fungi. These findings highlight the complex relationship between microbial succession and sandstone degradation, providing a foundation for understanding biodeterioration mechanisms in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Angkor.

Lan, W., Li, H., Wang, W.-D., Katayama, Y., & Gu, J.-D. (2010). Microbial Community Analysis of Fresh and Old Microbial Biofilms on Bayon Temple Sandstone of Angkor Thom, Cambodia. Microbial Ecology, 60(1), 105–115. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00248-010-9707-5