A first report of biodeterioration caused by cyanobacterial biofilms of exposed fossil bones: A case study of the middle Pleistocene site of La Polledrara di Cecanibbio (Rome, Italy)

摘要: Abstract La Polledrara di Cecanibbio is a Pleistocene fossiliferous deposit near Rome (Italy) where large quantities of bones, belonging mainly to elephants, have been discovered and ‘musealized’ under an enclosing structure. The prevailing environmental conditions inside the museum exposition in situ fossilized remains resulted development phototrophic biofilms on bones nearby sediments. Samples sediment were investigated with different microscopy techniques (light, confocal laser scanning, scanning electron petrographic microscopes) that allowed identification cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp. as almost entirely dominant organism biofilms. present study identifies for first time endolithic activity this exposed bones. There was some indication species euendolithic but be elucidated. these greatly reduces aesthetic value site evidence suggests they may cause extensive structural damage threatening scientific cultural assets one richest deposits Italy. This biodeterioration fossil gives useful insights conservation spectacular site.