Microbial growth and air pollution in carbonate rock weathering. Preliminary results of a in situ experimental study.
Preliminary results on limestone weathering caused by air pollution and microbial colonization are presented in this study. Outdoor exposure experimental assays were performed on Scaglia limestone samples. Samples were exposed in two areas in Perugia (Italy) that differ for degree of urban air pollution. At different times of exposure, ranging from 1 to 12 months, microbial contamination and textural modifications of sampled surfaces were evaluated by microbiological procedures, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. After one year of exposure a significant fungal colonization and the presence of weathering products (i.e. gypsum) were detected on sampled surfaces.
Pitzurra
L
L
Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental and Biochemical Sciences, Via del Gochetto, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy. pitzurra@unipg.it
Moroni
B
B
Iurlo
A
A
Di Cesare
A M
AM
Sbaraglia
G
G
Poli
G
G
Bistoni
F
F
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002119:Calcium Carbonate / Q000737:chemistry*; D002963:Cladosporium / Q000254:growth & development*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D007558:Italy; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012248:Rhodotorula / Q000254:growth & development*; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D000393:Air Pollutants; D002119:Calcium Carbonate