Lichens as agents of biodeterioration

Abstract

One of the major roles lichens play in shaping the natural world, both physically and biologically, is as agents in soil development: Formerly considered only in a geological context, recent research has shown that they are capable of biodeteriorating stone substrata within a relatively short timescale. Chemical alteration of the substratum is achieved by the disruptive action of many species, particularly those capable of producing an oxalate at the thallus–substratum interface. The oxalate contributes significantly to the bulk and composition of the thallus itself and persists as an obvious encrustation after the lichen’s death. In the past, these disfiguring oxalate residues on ancient monuments have been variously interpreted as resulting from former mechanical/chemical renovation treatments, atmospheric pollution, and climatic weathering. The origin and nature of oxalate accretions, the factors involved in pedogenesis, and the development of lichen mosaics are reviewed. Aesthetic disfigurement versus physical damage to stonework is considered, and various aspects of stonework conservation are discussed.