Improved methodology for bioremoval of black crusts on historical stone artworks by use of sulfate-reducing bacteria

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2006 May;72(5):3733-7. doi: 10.1128/AEM.72.5.3733-3737.2006.

Abstract

An improved methodology to remove black crusts from stone by using Desulfovibrio vulgaris subsp. vulgaris ATCC 29579, a sulfate-reducing bacterium, is presented. The strain removed 98% of the sulfates of the crust in a 45-h treatment. Precipitation of black iron sulfide was avoided using filtration of a medium devoid of iron. Among three cell carriers, Carbogel proved to be superior to both sepiolite and Hydrobiogel-97, as it allowed an easy application of the bacteria, kept the system in a state where microbial activity was maintained, and allowed easy removal of the cells after the treatment.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Art*
  • Biotechnology / methods
  • Calcium Carbonate / chemistry*
  • Calcium Carbonate / metabolism*
  • Color*
  • Desulfovibrio vulgaris / metabolism*
  • Gels
  • Italy
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Sulfur-Reducing Bacteria / metabolism*

Substances

  • Gels
  • Calcium Carbonate