Urban structure degradation caused by growth of plants and microbial activity

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3989/mc.2019.09517

Keywords:

Concrete, Organic acids, Weathering, Waste treatment, Durability

Abstract


The purpose of this study was to isolate microorganisms associated to surface-affected concrete structures and to measure the in vitro dissolution of concrete based on the release of elements such as calcium and silicon. Although many microorganisms were detected only a fungus was capable of significantly decreasing the culture medium pH and releasing both elements. The molecular characterization allowed to identify the microorganism as Aspergillus carbonaurius, a citric-acid producing fungus that dissolved concrete in the in vitro test. After seven days of incubation, the soluble calcium concentration in the uninoculated culture medium containing concrete was 172.3 mg/L, while in the inoculated medium it was 525.0 mg/L. The soluble silicon concentration in the uninoculated medium was 10.3 mg/L, while in the inoculated medium it was 50.1 mg/L. These findings showed that plants and microorganisms rendered a synergistic effect accelerating the biodeterioration of concrete.

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Published

2019-03-30

How to Cite

Mejía, E., Tobón, J. I., & Osorio, W. (2019). Urban structure degradation caused by growth of plants and microbial activity. Materiales De Construcción, 69(333), e177. https://doi.org/10.3989/mc.2019.09517

Issue

Section

Research Articles