MICROBIAL-DEGRADATION OF PHENANTHRENE IN 2 EUROPEAN CATHEDRALS

The presence of phenanthrene-degrading micro-organisms in building sto nes of two European cathedrals (Seville, Spain, and Mechelen, Belgium) was demonstrated by conversion to (CO2)-C-14 of [9-C-14]phenanthrene freshly added to the stones and by the isolation of bacteria capable o f using phenanthrene as sole source of carbon and energy. We suggest t hat micro-organisms present in building stones are able to transform d eposited atmospheric pollutants and to use them for growth.