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Fungal physiology and the formation of calcium oxalate films on stone monuments

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Summary

Extensive, uniform, yellow-brown films are observed on many monuments. The origin of these films, composed predominantly of calcium oxalate, has been investigated by several authors. Oxalate film formation may be related, in some cases, to the activity of such microorganisms as fungi, which presumably form oxalic acid via the metabolic transformation of organic substances already present on the stone. The present work provides an overview of the physiological factors affecting oxalate synthesis by fungi and of oxalic acid in fungi metabolism.

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  1. Soprintendenza Beni Artistici e Storici, Via Belle Arti 56, I-40126, Bologna, Italy

    Daniela Pinna

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Pinna, D. Fungal physiology and the formation of calcium oxalate films on stone monuments. Aerobiologia 9, 157–167 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02066257

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