Evaluation of Microbial Induced Deterioration and Use of Botanicals as a Means of Management option on Historical Heritages of Gondar

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.