Bioreceptivity of unused building materials: effects on microbial colonisation and diversity—a Polish–Indian study

Abstract

The colonisation of building materials by microorganisms is the first step in terms of a subsequent biodeterioration and an occurrence of potential building-associated health hazards. Contrary to many studies to date, focusing mainly on old buildings with symptoms of biocorrosion, this research focuses on the bioreceptivity of selected unused building materials and the factors determining the intensity of their colonisation. The experiments were carried out in parallel in India and Poland, with the use of indigenous microflora from a given region. They revealed the similar dynamics of the microbial multiplication in concrete and plasterboard and the extreme intensity of the process: after only 10 weeks under favorable conditions, the number of bacteria and fungi reached 10⁷ CFU/g of dry weight of the material. The stimulation of microbial growth by individual environmental factors was slightly different in Indian and Polish studies: in India, the strongest stimulating factor was the periodic increase in humidity, while in Poland, the highest intensification of growth was observed in samples enriched with organic matter. Mould biodiversity turned out to be higher in India, although some types of fungi common to both regions were isolated.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Bioreceptivity
• microbial colonisation
• building materials
• concrete
• plasterboard

Author contribution

M. Kiranmai Reddy (PhD) conducted and described the microbiological research carried out in India.

Paweł Falaciński (DSc PhD) conducted absorbency tests and carried out statistical analysis.

Ewa Karwowska (Professor) designed the research methodology, conducted the microbiological research carried out in Poland, prepared and edited a manuscript and supervised all the study.

Data availability statement

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

The authors report that there are no competing interests to declare.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)