Metagenomic Identification of Biodeteriorative Microorganisms on the Stone Surface of the Şeyh Edebali Tomb

Yıl 2026, Cilt: 9 Sayı: 2, 962 - 970, 15.03.2026

Fadime Özdemir , Mehmet Eren Tüzer

https://doi.org/10.34248/bsengineering.1882575

https://izlik.org/JA63FB94TU

Öz

Biodegradation is a process that occurs in historical structures due to the release of enzymes, organic acids, and other chemical compounds by microorganisms, and it poses a significant threat to the integrity of cultural heritage. In this study, metagenomic analyses were used to determine the microbial diversity present on the walls of the Şeyh Edebali Tomb and to reveal the biodegradation processes occurring on the stone surface. The microbial taxa on the stone surface were identified, and the dominant microbial groups associated with biodegradation were determined. Our results showed that there is a high microbial diversity on the tomb's stone surface, which allowed us to uncover the metabolic impacts of these groups in the biodegradation processes. Particularly, the microbial communities abundant on the stone surface have been shown to possess biofilm formation potential, the ability to adapt to different environmental conditions, and biodegradation properties. The families Pseudomonadaceae (59.53%), Xanthomonadaceae (22.36%), Comamonadaceae (8.75%), and Sphingomonadaceae (5.41%) were identified as the most dominant families. The genera Pseudomonas (84.74%), Sphingomonas (7.28%), and Stutzerimonas (1.27%) were the most abundant. It is predicted that the species within these taxonomic groups contribute to biodegradation processes through different metabolic activities. Identifying the microbial diversity on the stone surface will guide the preservation of historical stone architecture and the transfer of these architectural works to future generations.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Bilecik Şeyh Edebali tomb , Biodeterioration , Metagenomic sequencing analysis , Microbial taxonomy

Etik Beyan

Ethics committee approval was not required for this study because there was no study on animals or humans.

Destekleyen Kurum

TÜBİTAK

Proje Numarası

2209-A TÜBİTAK

Teşekkür

This study is supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK) with project number 2209-A. The authors would like to thank Öznur BİLGİN for her assistance. Permission was obtained from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, General Directorate of Foundations, Bursa Regional Directorate of Foundations.

Kaynakça

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