Environmental Biogeochemistry Research Group | Research Themes

Biological growths on building stone surfaces
Biogenic weathering and decay of historic buildings and monuments is a major conservation problem. Two separate projects examined biocide efficacy and the mechanisms of biogeochemcial decay.

URQUHART, D.C.M., NICHOLSON, K., TONGE, K., WAKEFIELD, R. and YOUNG, M. (1993). Biological growths, biocide treatment, soiling and decay of sandstone buildings and monuments in Scotland. Report to Historic Scotland, 394pp.

YOUNG, M., WAKEFIELD, R., TONGE, K. URQUHART, D.C.M., and NICHOLSON, K. (1995). Assessment of the efficacy of various biocides on sandstones under laboratory and field conditions. In: Proc. ICCROM Deterioration and Conservation of Stone Conference, Rome.

WAKEFIELD, R., JONES, M. NICHOLSON, K. and WILSON, M.J. (1995). Initial observations into the decay of sandstone colonised by an epilithic algal community. 13th European Environmental Geochemistry and Health Meeting, Aberdeen, April, 1995.

WAKEFIELD, R.D., JONES, M.S., WILSON, J. YOUNG, M.E., NICHOLSON, K. and URQUHART, D.C.M. (1996). Investigations of decayed sandstone colonised by a species of Trentepolia. Aerobiologia, 12, 19-25.

Impacts of hydrocarbons on the decay of sandstone buildings and monuments
Through atmospheric aerosol deposition crude hydrocarbons were coated over historic sandstone buildings and prehistoric monuments in Shetalnd following the Braer wreck. This project was established to monitor the influence on hydrocarbons on sandstone decay processes. Experimental investigations complemented the field studies.

WILSON, J., WAKEFIELD, R. and NICHOLSON, K. (1995). Effect of oil pollution on stone biodeterioration: Impact of the Braer Wreck on Historic Scotland Monuments in Shetland. 13th European Environmental Geochemistry and Health Meeting, Aberdeen, April, 1995.

YORDANOV, R. V. and NICHOLSON, K. (1997). Effect of hydrocarbons on biofilm development on sandstone. 15th European Environmental Geochemistry and Health Meeting, Dublin, March, 1997

Interaction of algal exudates with mineral surfaces
A new project to examine the surface interactions of chemicals exuded by algae. The project has implications for the decay of historic stone surfaces, building preservation, mechanisms of pioneering plant colonisation of pristine rock surfaces and the accumulation of algal toxins in soils and sediments.