Biodeterioration Vs Bioprotection: Analysis of micro and macroflora

Raman and FTIR spectroscopies, SEM-EDS, micro-XRF and XRDP have been applied to characterize the alteration products. Analyses have been performed both on single fragments and on polished rock sections of fragments collected from all the four temple facades, in order to check for any variation due to the different exposition, and from an area in the temple interior. Optical observations of the polished sections have evidenced irregularities in the thickness of the patina. Raman and FTIR spectra revealed that the black layers are mainly composed of manganese minerals (hollandite, romanechite, and manganite). This peculiar alteration pattern is interpreted as due to the tropical climatic conditions of Cambodia. Indeed the variation of wet and dry seasons favors the migration of iron and manganese ions and their successive immobilization in regions not directly subject to leaching. Regards the macroflora, as starting point the hypothesis that wall plants species come mainly from rocky habitats, taking into account that ancient walls show similar characteristics to rocks, was analysed. In this study, we supported the hypothesis that wall plant species come mainly from rocky habitats, taking into account that ancient walls show similar characteristics to rocks. The occurrence of wall species in natural habitats was investigated. The main literature concerning wall and natural vegetation of central-southern Italy was viewed. Vegetation synoptic tables were analysed through statistical procedures for comparing occurrence and behaviour of wall species in ruderal