Advertisement!
Author Information Pack
Editorial Board
Submit article
Special Issue
Editor's selection process
Join as Reviewer/Editor
List of Reviewer
Indexing Information
Most popular articles
Purchase Single Articles
Archive
Free Online Access
Current Issue
Recommend this journal to your library
Advertiser
Accepted Articles
Search Articles
Email Alerts
FAQ
Contact Us
Indian Journal of Biology

Volume  12, Issue 2, July - Dec. 2025, Pages 57-65
 

Original Article

Chemical Deterioration of Marble Heritage Artifacts Induced by Microbial Activity: Mechanisms, Impacts, and Conservation Strategies

Ravindra Goswami1, Seema Bhadauria2

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, Seth G.B. Podar College, Nawalgrah, Rajasthan, India.

2 Principal, Balwant Vidhyapeeth Rural Institute, Bichpuri, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Choose an option to locate / access this Article:
days Access
Check if you have access through your login credentials.        PDF      |
|

Open Access: View PDF

DOI: 10.21088/ijb.2394.1391.12225.1

Abstract

The preservation of marble heritage artifacts is increasingly challenged by microbial-induced chemical deterioration. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and lichens secrete metabolic byproducts that chemically interact with marble’s calcium carbonate matrix, leading to structural and aesthetic degradation. This paper reviews the mechanisms of microbial-induced chemical deterioration, discusses the impacts on marble artifacts, and evaluates current conservation strategies. Marble, a widely used material in cultural heritage monuments, is highly susceptible to biodeterioration caused by microbial colonization. This study investigates the chemical deterioration of marble heritage artifacts induced by microbial activity, focusing on the metabolic byproducts of bacteria, fungi, and lichens. Field sampling and laboratory analysis revealed that microbial communities secrete organic acids (oxalic, citric, and gluconic acids) and sulfur compounds, which react with calcium carbonate (CaCO3), leading to the formation of calcium oxalates and gypsum. These reactions significantly increased surface porosity, discoloration, and micro-cracking. Results demonstrated that oxalic acid–producing fungi were the most aggressive agents of marble degradation, with calcium oxalate crystals reducing the structural density of samples by up to 28% compared to unaffected controls. Biofilm formation was also observed, enhancing moisture retention and pollutant deposition, thereby accelerating deterioration. Conservation treatments with natural biocides (essential oil extracts) showed a reduction of microbial colonization by 65%, while protective hydrophobic coatings decreased surface porosity and acid infiltration. This research highlights the urgent need for eco-friendly conservation strategies tailored to microbial-induced damage, ensuring the long-term preservation of marble heritage artifacts.
 


Keywords : Marble Deterioration • Microbial Activity • Organic Acids • Biodeterioration • Conservation Strategies
Corresponding Author : Ravindra Goswami