Biodiversity on stone artifacts

The biological colonization of stone artifacts exposed under outdoor conditions (e.g. artistic fountains, statues in parks, monuments in urban areas, archeological sites, etc.) is always influenced by the microclimate and the high biodiversity of the opportunistic airflora/airfauna. There is a strength relation between biological development and different factors such as the type of rocks, meteorological phenomena and urban or rural environment. Many organisms, such as phototrophs, may only use the stone as a support, but they can favour more complex colonization, with possible biodeterioration effects. In fact, these organisms are able to growth using the stone mineral components or the superficial deposits of it, exerting damages of stone material by their metabolic activity. Organisms causing biological decay effects are called biodeteriogens. Knowledge of the biodiversity, ecological and physiological aspects of the biological colonization on monumental stones is essential to maintain and preserve the stone cultural heritage for further generations.