Journal Article

Structural Interactions among Epilithic Cyanobacteria and Heterotrophic Microorganisms in Roman Hypogea

Albertano, P., C. Urzì

1999

Overview

Phototrophic microbial communities present in the Roman Catacombs were characterized and different species of terrestrial epilithic cyanobacteria were found to occur as dominant organisms. Eucapsis, Leptolyngbya, Scytonema, and Fischerella were the most frequently encountered cyanobacterial taxa, while a few species of green algae and the diatom Diadesmis gallica occurred in minor amounts. Streptomyces strains, a few genera of eubacteria, and to a lesser extent fungi were always present in the same microhabitats and contributed to the deterioration of stone surfaces. The combined use of light and electron microscopy evidenced the structural relationships among rodshaped or filamentous bacteria and cyanobacterial cells, as well as the presence of polysaccharide capsules and sheaths, and of mineral precipitates on S. julianum filaments. The significance of the intimate association among the microorganisms was discussed in relation to the damage caused by the growth of biological patinas on stone surfaces.

• Publisher: Springer-Verlag New York Inc,Springer,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Algae / Animal, plant and microbial ecology / Aquatic plants / Bacteria / Biological and medical sciences / Crystals / Cyanobacteria / Diatoms / Ecological distribution / Electron microscopy / Epilithic microorganisms / Filamentous bacteria / Filamentous microorganisms / Filaments / Fresco / Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology / Fungi / Heterotrophic microorganisms / Microbial activity / Microbial ecology / Microhabitat / Microhabitats / Microorganisms / Mineral precipitation / Phototrophic microorganisms / Phycology / Polysaccharides / Precipitates / Sheaths / Stone / Streptomyces / Various environments (extraatmospheric space, air, water)