Diversity of sulfate-reducing bacteria as an example of the presence of anaerobic microbial communities in Altamira Cave (Spain)

El resumen corresponde al trabajo publicado en el libro: Heritage, Weathering and Conservation volumen 1, páginas 367-371 ISBN 0-415-41272-2. Consta de 5 páginas, 2 figuras, 1 tabla, 24 referencias. Derechos de copyright: Taylor & Francis. International Conference, Madrid, 21-24 June, 2006. 8th Thematic Network on Cultural and Historic Heritage Scientific Meeting Stone, Weathering and Atmospheric Pollution Network Scientific Meeting.
Altamira Cave (Cantabria, Spain) contains paleolithic paintings dated back to 15,000 years. The conservation of these paintings is a primary objective. Recent studies have show the existence of unknown microbial communities in this cave. Our latest studies have shown the presence of anaerobic communities detected on superficial biofilms developing on cave walls. Herein, we analyzed the diversity of a strick anaerobic microbial group, the sulfate-reducing bacteria, from Altamira Cave.
The authors thank the Spanish Ministry of Culture (Contract 31321000710T, "Analysis of the conditions for the conservation of paleolithic paintings in Altamira Cave"), the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science (Projects BTE 2002-04492-C02-01 and REN 2003-02854/GLO) and a predoctoral fellowship to Portillo and González, acknowledges support provided by the Ramón y Cajal Program form the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science