Isolation, identification and possible fungi pathogenic action in Chafariz da Glória, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

The city of Ouro Preto, listed a World Heritage Site, holds a number of culturally important monuments such as Chafariz da Glória. Despite the importance afforded to their preservation, these buildings continually suffer from deterioration caused by weather and biological agents; particularly fungi, important biodeteriogens due to the production of enzymes and acids. This research verified and identified of the fungi present at the fountain, relating their colonization to the degradations seen in its most deteriorated areas. The following fungal genera and species were identified: Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp., Phialophora gregata, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, and Nigrospora sp. Given the deteriorating action of fungi, studies on biodeteriogens are of great importance to enable the adoption of control measures against such agents.