INVESTIGATION THE MICROBIAL DETERIORATION OF SANDSTONE FROM THE OSIRION'S SARCOPHAGUS CHAMBER AS AFFECTED BY RISING GROUND WATER LEVEL

Abstract

In the present study, the microbial deterioration of sandstone from the Osirion's Sarcophagus Chamber as affected by rising ground water level was investigated by means of SEM micrograph of fungal hyphae, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The following Fungi; Cladosporium cladosporioides, Aspergillus terreus, Curvularia lunata, and Acremonium falciforme were identified on the deteriorated stone surfaces and these findings were tested by SEM investigations. The hyphae penetration of the identified microfungi caused mechanical exfoliation of building stone material as well as changing in color.