Cyanobacteria-containing biofilms from a Mayan monument in Palenque,Mexico |
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Authors: | M Ramírez E Novelo M Roldán |
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Institution: | 1. Facultat de Farmàcia , Unitat de Botànica, Universitat de Barcelona , Av. Joan XXIII s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;2. Dep. Biología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Apto Postal 70-474, 04510 México, D.F, Mexico;3. Servei de Microscòpia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Edifici C, Facultat de Ciències , 08193 Bellaterra, Spain |
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Abstract: | Surfaces of buildings at the archaeological site of Palenque, Mexico, are colonized by cyanobacteria that form biofilms, which in turn cause aesthetic and structural damage. The structural characterization and species composition of biofilms from the walls of one of these buildings, El Palacio, are reported. The distribution of photosynthetic microorganisms in the biofilms, their relationship with the colonized substratum, and the three-dimensional structure of the biofilms were studied by image analysis. The differences between local seasonal microenvironments at the Palenque site, the bioreceptivity of stone and the relationship between biofilms and their substrata are described. The implications for the development and permanence of species capable of withstanding temporal heterogeneity in and on El Palacio, mainly due to alternating wet and dry seasons, are discussed. Knowledge on how different biofilms contribute to biodegradation or bioprotection of the substratum can be used to develop maintenance and conservation protocols for cultural heritage. |
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Keywords: | cyanobacteria biofilm structure Mayan monuments biodeterioration bioprotection |
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