Biodeterioration

an applied case for rock art in the Ventania Hill System

Abstract

From 2004, we have been studying the transformation processes in caves and rockshelters with rock art in the Ventania Hill System, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. This research involves controlled observations, discriminating records and study of geophysical, geochemical, biological and anthropics agents of deterioration. Thus, the presence of microorganisms forming biofilms on rocky surfaces, the activity of arthropods, and the occurrence of higher animals, cause alterations of cave art; added factors include microclimate alteration, presence of water infiltration, cracking, rock exfoliation and superficial accretion of glasses, among others. In this work we present the results of preliminary studies on biodeterioration (defined as any undesirable change in the conditions of a material caused by biological activities) in four sites. Surface samples were collected and counts of the different microbial pollutants that form biofilms were made.