Eukaryotic Microorganisms and Stone Biodeterioration

Eukaryotic microorganisms (especially green algae and fungi) can have a significant impact on the structure and appearance of stone cultural heritage. This paper reviews current knowledge on the role of eukaryotes in the biodeterioration of stone. Considerable uncertainty remains over community-level interactions and the response of lithobiontic communities to environmental change. Three inter-linked approaches to future research are proposed: (1) long-term ecological field studies; (2) diversity studies based on new molecular techniques and (3) laboratory-based simulation studies. The overall goal of these research efforts should be the formulation of robust models of stone deterioration that integrate biotic and abiotic factors and can be used to aid prediction and management of eukaryotic growths on stone cultural heritage.