Protecting Europe's monuments against biofilms
Buildings, statues and other monuments spread throughout Europe form an integral part of the region's cultural heritage. Preserving this inheritance for future generations requires a dedicated effort. One of the threats comes in the form of tiny microorganisms that merge with one another to form biofilms on the surface of the structure. Over time, the biofilm can degrade and damage the original stone substrate. Geomicrobiologists with the University of Oldenburg in Germany led a research project entitled BIODAM, the aim of which was to investigate safe methods of eliminating biofilms. Following laboratory-based experiments, the effectiveness of a range of measures was evaluated in the field. Several different sites were selected in Scotland, Germany and Spain. The approach entailed a polyphasic treatment plan, which incorporated biocides, permeabilisers, pigment and polysaccharide inhibitors as well as photosensitisers. Data collected during the trials addressed both biofilm and climate parameters. The analysis that followed indicated that by combining the non-biocide treatments, it was possible to limit biocide application while still successfully controlling the biofilm. Further to these encouraging results, the University of Oldenburg and its partners have copyrighted the BIODAM methodology.
