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Microbiologically induced carbonate precipitation as a potential strategy in the restoration of heritage structures

Abstract:

In recent years, microbiologically induced carbonate precipitation has become a potential tool for restoring architectural pieces and sculptures around the world showing good results in the short and long term. In this work, isolated and identified Bacillus subtilis local strains were incubated to verify the capacity of these bacterial strains in the production of calcium carbonate on carbonate rock samples. The crystals obtained were analyzed through FT-IR, SEM-EDS, and DRX. Results show the formation of a stable layer of bioprecipitated calcite, the most stable polymorph of calcium carbonate, on the carbonate samples thus demonstrating the possibility of using non-pathogenic strains and economic means to restore, prevent or reduce the future deterioration of cultural heritage.