Metagenomic Identification of Biodeteriorative Microorganisms on the Stone Surface of the Şeyh Edebali Tomb

Biodegradation is a process that occurs in historical structures due to the release of enzymes, organic acids, and other chemical compounds by microorganisms, and it poses a significant threat to the integrity of cultural heritage. In this study, metagenomic analyses were used to determine the microbial diversity present on the walls of the Şeyh Edebali Tomb and to reveal the biodegradation processes occurring on the stone surface. The microbial taxa on the stone surface were identified, and the dominant microbial groups associated with biodegradation were determined. Our results showed that there is a high microbial diversity on the tomb's stone surface, which allowed us to uncover the metabolic impacts of these groups in the biodegradation processes. Particularly, the microbial communities abundant on the stone surface have been shown to possess biofilm formation potential, the ability to adapt to different environmental conditions, and biodegradation properties. The families Pseudomonadaceae (59.53%), Xanthomonadaceae (22.36%), Comamonadaceae (8.75%), and Sphingomonadaceae (5.41%) were identified as the most dominant families. The genera Pseudomonas (84.74%), Sphingomonas (7.28%), and Stutzerimonas (1.27%) were the most abundant. It is predicted that the species within these taxonomic groups contribute to biodegradation processes through different metabolic activities. Identifying the microbial diversity on the stone surface will guide the preservation of historical stone architecture and the transfer of these architectural works to future generations.