The role of microbe/metal interactions in the degradation of emulsion paintings of buildings in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

In Nigeria, it is common to notice "infected patches" on emulsion paintings, mostly on the walls of buildings and fences. These emulsion paintings contain a wide range of constituents and therefore provide ecological niches that may be exploited by a large variety of microbial species. Samples of these paintings were collected from three different locations in the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. In order to determine the microbes in both degraded and undegraded walls, some of the samples were cultured and incubated for 24hours at 37°C. The colonies that developed were subjected to different tests: motility, methyl-red, voges proskauer, oxidase, indole, citrate utilization and catalase tests.Algae, bacteria and fungi were present in this environment but no algae was found in the undegraded wall The pH range of the degraded wall was also determined and found to be 6.59-7.04. While that of the undegraded wall was found to be 6.78-7.79. The heavy metal content of these samples was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. It was found that Fe, Na+, Cr, Ni, and Zn dorminated these areas followed by Ca+, Ti, and Cd. © Research India Publications.