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Abstract
The fungal genera are known for their high ability to biodeteriorate construction materials. Weight loss and release of calcium are observed when materials, especially concrete, are exposed to fungi. The paper presents the procedures enabling to assess the risk of biocorrosion of buildings at various stages of its development. The presented results lead to selection of effective analytical methodology for this propose. The study was conducted on materials commonly used as construction materials such as granite, ceramic, concrete and plaster. Surfaces of the tested samples were fouled by three selected fungal genera. Changes in properties of the materials due to interaction of fungi have been studied with the use of ergosterol content measurements, microscopic picturing, bioluminescence imaging, measurements of pH and X-ray spectroscopy analysis. Particular attention was paid to propose an appropriate method of estimating the effect of fungi on the surface of building materials using advanced analytical techniques.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the grants number 01/11/DSPB/0407 and 03/31/DSPB/0296 from The Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education.