Improved methodology for bioremoval of black crusts on historical stone artworks by use of sulfate-reducing bacteria

Francesca Cappitelli*, Elisabetta Zanardini, Giancarlo Ranalli, Emilio Mello, Daniele Daffonchio, Claudia Sorlini

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

80 Scopus citations

Abstract

An improved methodology to remove black crusts from stone by using Desulfovibrio vulgaris subsp. vulgaris ATCC 29579, a sulfate-reducing bacterium, is presented. The strain removed 98% of the sulfates of the crust in a 45-h treatment. Precipitation of black iron sulfide was avoided using filtration of a medium devoid of iron. Among three cell carriers, Carbogel proved to be superior to both sepiolite and Hydrobiogel-97, as it allowed an easy application of the bacteria, kept the system in a state where microbial activity was maintained, and allowed easy removal of the cells after the treatment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3733-3737
Number of pages5
JournalAPPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
Volume72
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2006
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Food Science
  • Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
  • Ecology

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