The biodeterioration and conservation of stone historical monuments

석조문화재의 생물학적 손상과 보존방안

Stone has been one of the most intensely studied materials in conservation. Understanding the deterioration of stone needs various knowledge in different mineralogical and physical characteristics and its weathering response under different climate and environment. The alteration and weathering of stone is affected by natural or artificial elements whether they are physical, chemical or biological damaging factors. It can be said that the bio deterioration of stone is coupled with every environmental factors, which induce decomposition of stone structure, either directly or indirectly as a form of catalysis. Many elements contribute to the deterioration of stone monuments and other objects of cultural value such as pagoda, stature of Buddha, etc. This report concentrates on the action of biodeteriorative factorsincluding bacteria, algae and higher plants. Preventive and remedial methods and a selection of chemical treatments are also described.