ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to discuss the microbiological analysis of biofilms associated with stone monuments in Villa de Leyva and the evaluation of biocides for their control. The role of microorganisms in the deterioration of historic monuments is related to climatic conditions and to the physical and chemical properties of construction materials. Villa de Leyva, Boyaca, considered as Colombian archeological and architectonic heritage, is characterized by a dry climate, and features numerous stone monuments composed of quartz and silicates. The formation of microbial biofilms on these stone historic monuments is the main cause of biodeterioration, which appears as physical, chemical and aesthetic damage. The monuments “First Stone”, “Second Stone”, “Virgin of Carmen”, “Mill House” and “Mill of Mesopotamia” contain silicates, a material which makes them susceptible to biodeterioration caused by organic acids produced by bacteria and fungi.
