Evaluating the biosusceptibility of natural stone as an supporting tool to prevent Cultural Heritage biodeterioration

Abstract Biodeterioration of construction materials is still a major challenge that conservator-restorers face, especially in historic monuments with high cultural value. Natural stone highly susceptible to deterioration through physical, chemical, and biological ways, whereas proliferation may potentiate both chemical physical deterioration. The composition the colonizers their are dependent on climatic parameters like temperature humidity, which distinct from place place. present work proposes execution an innovative methodology enables determination susceptibility natural biocolonization, parameter denominated as biosusceptibility. study aims contribute creation models by predicting even before objects’ manufacture, promoting sustainability one most valuable resources. proposed here was performed limestones, marbles slates—exploited Portuguese territory—by using colonizing strains typically found stones exposed Mediterranean climate. results have demonstrated higher porosity less epilithic colonization and, consequently, moderate alteration aesthetic appearance. However, metabolic activity determined these higher, indicates biocolonization will cause more severe damage structure future. first significant changes stones’ matrix were assessed year after inoculation, cutting-edge technology 3D surface micro-reconstruction. Due its relevance processes, inclusion biosusceptibility information technical brochures strongly encouraged. Graphical