DSpace - Tor Vergata: Item 2108/1359

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/2108/1359

Title:	A non-invasive approach to the polyphasic study of phototrophic biofilms colonising Maltese hypogea
Authors:	Albertano, Patrizia Zammit, Gabrielle
Keywords:	biofilm hypogea catacombs biodeterioration cyanobacteria microalgae conservation cultural heritage
Issue Date:	30-Jul-2010
Abstract:	This polyphasic study provided for a description of the microbiocoenosis of the wall paintings in Maltese hypogea. Biofilm architecture was characterised by CLSM and ESEM. The cyanobacterial and microalgal diversity in phototrophic biofilms was described in terms of cytomorphology, distribution, molecular biology and environmental role. An understanding of biodeterioration and biomineralisation processes was achieved through the application of ESEM-EDS, μXRF and μXRD. The subaerial biofilms were made up of taxonomically complex, metabolically interactive, self-sustaining microbial communities. The main phototrophic organisms consisted of Oscillatorialean, Nostocalean and Stigonematalean cyanobacteria and Chlorococcalean microalgae, associated with chemoorganotrophic bacteria. An effort was made to integrate the results of the present study with those obtained from other studies of phototrophic biofilms growing in other Mediterranean catacombs and caves. The same general trends in biodi...
Description:	22. ciclo
URI:	http://hdl.handle.net/2108/1359
Appears in Collections:	Tesi di dottorato in scienze matematiche e fisiche

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