ISOLATION AND MORPHOLOGICAL IDENTIFICATION OF FUNGI FROM DETERIORATING MONUMENTS OF MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA

Abstract

Fungi are the most commonly occurring microbes found on the surfaces of stone. They have very simple nutritional
requirements and can absorb organic compounds from the environment. Fungal hyphae penetrate surfaces and grow
inside the soil. This investigation was carried out in order to determine the diverse community of fungi growing on these
deteriorating monuments. For this study, 55 samples of stone were collected from 10 ancient sites which were
deteriorating. The samples were collected by use of scalpels, brushes, tweezers and stored in UV sterilised poly bags.
The isolation was done by using dilution plate method, plating technique and moist chamber method. During this study,
a number of fungal species were isolated. These mixed colonies were then purified from the isolation plates and
separately incubated at 28±2°C. For this, selective media SDA (Sabouraud Dextrose Agar) was used. In order to prevent
contamination from bacterial colonies, Chloramphenicol was added. After isolation, identification was done. For the
microscopic examination of fungi compound light microscope was used. Tease mount method was employed to observe
the septation, conidia or spores. For the preparation of mount Lactophenol Cotton Blue was used. Twenty- One fungal
species were isolated from 17 genera which are accounted in this study. The most frequently occurring fungal species are
Alternaria sp, A. nidulans, A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. terreus, A. niger, Bipolaris sp., Curvularia sp., Cladosporium sp., Chaetomium
sp., Chrysosporium sp., Exserohilum sp., Fusarium sp., Penicillium sp. , Phoma sp., Poecilomyces sp., Talaromyces sp., Trichoderma sp.,
Torula sp., Ulocladium sp. and Verticillium sp. From the selected sites, there were few sites like Raisen Fort Raisen,
Rajwada Palace Indore, Bhimbetka caves Raisen, Islamnagar Fort Bhopal and Bir Singh Palace Datia showed the
maximum number of fungal species. These were followed by Shaukat Mahal Bhopal, Sadar Manzil Bhopal, Siddhawat
ghat Ujjain, Bharthari Caves Ujjain and Gohar Mahal Bhopal. From these sites, areas showing fungal abundance were
chosen for the collection of samples. The bio-corrosion caused by these isolates will help to evaluate the damage caused
and their extent of involvement. The data and results brought about from this study will help for future researches and
analysis. Moreover, this study determines the vast fungal diversity found on the deteriorating surface of the monuments
of Madhya Pradesh. This study will further help in implementing the preventive measures for the conservation of
heritage monuments.