Uncovering the origin of the black stains in L ascaux C ave in F rance

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Publication Date

12-1-2012

Publication Title

Environmental Microbiology

Volume Number

14

Issue Number

12

Abstract

Summary L ascaux C ave in F rance was discovered in 1940. Since being opened to visitors the cave has suffered three major microbial outbreaks. The current problem is the fast dissemination of black stains which are threatening the P alaeolithic paintings. Previous data pointed to the involvement of new fungal species in the formation of black stains on the rock walls and ceiling. However, it appears that there could be other reasons for the formation of different and extensive black stains coating the surface of the clayey sediments. Our analyses reveal that black stains on clayey sediments are mainly produced by A cremonium nepalense , a manganese oxide‐depositing fungus, widely distributed in the cave. Thus, in L ascaux C ave, the black stains have a dual origin: on limestone rocks they are mainly produced by the accumulation of fungal melanins, and on clayey sediments by the biogenic deposition of black manganese oxides.

Document Type

Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1111/1462-2920.12008

Language

English

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