Black Fungi In Etruscan Tombs Of Tarquinia: New Findings From Different Tombs

The high humidity characterizing subterranean environments promotes biological growth, de- spite their low irradiance and oligotrophy. Microbial metabolism can have a negative impact on cultural heritage artworks, necessitating the use of effective biocides to control them. Among biodeteriogens, fungi are particularly difficult to manage due to their diverse metabolic pat- terns and high dissemination rate. In a recent study performed on two painted Etruscan tombs in Tarquinia some dark discolorations were investigated to determine the possible causative agents of color changes, and tomb door seals were investigated as a possible route of contam- ination. Among the widest culturable fraction found we focused on eighteen dark-pigmented fungi. Assessing their metabolic skills and tolerance to two formulations of benzalkonium chlo- ride-based products revealed a risk for hypogea that extends far beyond their color.