The pattern of elements accumulation in biodeposits formed by living organisms and extracellular products of their metabolism (biofouling, primary soils) on different bedrocks (of the monuments of Historical necropoleis in Saint Petersburg) were studied by a complex of biological and mineralogical methods (optical microscopy, SEM, EDX, XRD, ICP MS, XRFS). The content of 46 elements in biodeposits with various communities of microorganisms is determined. The model recreating the picture of the input and selective accumulation of elements in biodeposits on the stone surface in outdoor conditions is assumed. It is shown that the main contribution to the elemental composition of biodeposits is made by the environment and the composition of the microbial community. The contribution of leaching under the action of microbial metabolites of mineral grains, entering biodeposits from the environment, is significantly greater than that of the underlying rock.

Original languageEnglish
Article number36
Number of pages21
JournalMicroorganisms
Volume9
Issue number1
Early online dateDec 2020
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021

    Research areas

  • Algae, Biodeposits, Environment, Fungi, Lichens, Microbial biomineralization, Mosses, Rocks

    Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Virology

ID: 73091095