Biodeterioração de monumentos históricos no mundo

Abstract

The monuments of art in the world undergo the process of biodeterioration. There are several micro-organisms, fungi, bacteria, and lichens that act slowly in the works of art causing a substantial loss of material over time. The biofilms formed by these microorganisms that grow in almost all the rocks exposed to varying weather conditions, can modify the chemical and mineralogical composition of the original stone. Environmental factors such as rain, wind, and air pollution are relevant to the deterioration of the monuments. Furthermore, in some cities vandalism contributes to the destruction of historical monuments. Several studies were conducted in some countries of the world showing the biodeterioration of the works, and the fungi and bacteria are the most prevalent micro-organisms in studies. Currently there is a concern to preserve the monuments, since those are the cultural heritage of humanity and in them are represented the social moment and political and cultural environment in which its founder lived and traces of this artist.