Sulfate-reducing bacteria are common members of bacterial communities in Altamira Cave (Spain)
2008
Portillo Guisado, María del Carmen | González Grau, Juan Miguel | Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte (España)
The conservation of paleolithic paintings such as those in Altamira Cave (Spain) is a primary objective. Recent molecular studies have shown the existence of unknown microbial communities in this cave including anaerobic microorganisms on cave walls. Herein, we analyzed an anaerobic microbial group, the sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), from Altamira Cave with potential negative effects on painting conservation. In the present work, the communities of bacteria and SRB were studied through PCR-DGGE analysis. Data suggest that SRB communities represent a significant, highly diverse bacterial group in Altamira Cave. These findings represent a first report on this physiological group on caves with paleolithic paintings and their potential biodegradation consequences. Expanding our knowledge on microbial communities in Altamira Cave is a priority to design appropriate conservation strategies.
Show more [+] Less [-]The authors acknowledge support through a contract with the Ministry of Culture (Contract 31321000710T, “Analysis of the conditions for the conservation of paleolithic paintings in Altamira Cave”) and project CGL2006-11561/BTE from the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science.
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