A comparison of methods for the measurement of microbial activity on stone |
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| Abstract: | AbstractThere is a need for a simple, rapid method which can be used with a minimum of equipment to evaluate whether microbial populations may pose a potential risk to the integrity of stone incorporated into buildings and works of art. Fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyl tetrazolium chloride (INT) were compared for detection of microbial activity on stone, using both pure cultures of bacteria from stone and also natural stone samples. Both compounds could detect activity of bacteria and other microorganisms isolated from stone. INT-formazan was produced only by intact microorganisms whereas FDA was cleaved by extracellular enzymes as well. Use of FDA with stone samples was successful but INT required extended incubation times which gave little indication of in situ activity. A positive correlation was found between rapid cleavage of large amounts (> 15μg per gram stone) of FDA and production of INT-formazan after extended incubation periods. FDA was therefore found to be more appropriate as an indirect measure of metabolic activity of microbial populations on stone. The simplicity of the method makes it suitable for use by non-scientific personnel, with a minimum of scientific equipment, to identify stones at risk from active microbial populations. |
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