Abstract:
Loss of historical heritages is not only due to aging and environmental factors but also damaged
as a result of microbial induced deterioration. Microbial induced deterioration of historical
heritages occurs due to the metabolic versatility of microorganisms supported by favorable
climatic and environmental condition like moisture, pH, temperature and substrate. This study
was aimed to evaluate microbial induced deterioration of historical heritages of Gondar town and
determine the efficacy of common medicinal plants as management option for the existing
problem. Sixty swab samples were taken from deteriorated area of wall paintings, wood surface
and wall/concrete of the three historic places of Gondar town namely Fasil castle (world
heritage), Qwesquam, and Debre Berhan Selassie churchs. The swab samples were taken from
deteriorated sites and cultured on right growth media and characterize based on the Bergey’s
Manual of Systematic Bacteriology. Preparation of crude extract of Azadirachta indica (Neem),
Datura Stramonium (Atsefaris) and Ricinus communis (Gulo) were done using different solvent
and screening of plant phytochemicals were done using indicator chemicals. A total of 7 bacteria
and 11fungal species were identified from the deteriorated area of historic heritage. Among them
Staphylococcus epidermidis and Aspargilus niger were dominant. Anti microbial effect of the
selected plant extract were done, the acetone/chloroform extract of Azadricheta indica show
highest inhibition zone for S.epidermidis while the acetone/chloroform extract of Datura
stramonium show highest inhibition zone for A.niger. The acetone/chloroform extract of A.indica
and R.comminus reveal MIC (25 mg/ml) for S.epidermidis and 25 mg/ml ethanol and
acetone/chloroform extract of the three medicinal plant records as MIC for A.niger. The
historical heritages of Gondar town subjected for microbial induced deterioration. The efficacy
of botanicals against the selected isolates were different depend on the solvent used and the type
of plant bioactive compound.
