International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN: 2319-7064 SJIF (2022): 7.942 Volume 12 Issue 12, December 2023 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY Exploring the Impact of Epilithic Cyanobacteria on the Heritage Monuments of Kota, Rajasthan Pooja Sharma 1 , Neerja Shrivastava 2 Research Scholar, Department of Botany, Govt. P.G. College, Kota (Raj), India Email: guddenpooja[at]gmail.com Professor, Department of Botany, Govt. P.G. College, Kota (Raj), India Email: drnshrivastava[at]gmail.com Abstract: Cyanobacteria also called Blue Green Algae are gram negative, oxygenic photosynthetic prokaryotes. They show the ability of efficient nutrient uptake mechanism. Ancient monuments and temples are more exposed to sunlight and moisture of the environment and are the easiest sites for microbial colonization. Microbes are able to colonize on the walls of historical monument by forming biofilms or patinas. Biofilms of microbial cells degrade the asthetic value of ancient buildings and require lots of time and investment to eliminate them. The primary colonizers of stone monuments are seen as photosynthetic microorganisms (algae and Cyanobacteria). Many of the species of Cyanobacteria are able to tolerate climate extremes and hence require more attention to be study. It has been seen that Cyanobacteria need only light and water to grow and therefore can grow endolithically (4). They can tolerate extreme climate conditions. Cyanobacteria are able to survive on exposed surfaces of ancient walls and are greatly involved in biodeterioration of monuments (2). This makes more concern about the study of Cyanobacteria as they are the agents of stone property degradation in future. Kota city is situated near the bank of river Chambal. Kota have semi-arid climate throughout the year. Garh Palace also known as City palace is a historic place since foundation laid in 1264 C.E by Prince Jait Singh of Bundi. It comprises number of architectural structures of ancient times. It has a huge museum which displays royal arms and ammunitions. Another ancient monument is Abheda Mahal situated near Chambal River, built by Ummed Maharaj. It is also rich in heritage with beautiful pond inside it. Total 12 species isolated from the walls of monuments generally belongs to genus Nostoc (1), of the genera Gloeocapsa (2), Gloeothece (2), Aphanothece (1), Chroocococcus (2), Chroococcidiopsis (1), Tolypothrix (1) and Aulosira (1) of Cyanophyta. This study investigates the prevalence and impact of epilithic cyanobacteria on the walls of Garh Palace and Abheda Mahal in Kota, Rajasthan. Emphasizing the need for understanding cyanobacteria as role in biodeterioration, the study identifies various species colonizing these historical monuments and discusses their potential in degrading stone properties. Such insights are crucial for the preservation of heritage sites. Keywords: Biofilms, Endolithically, Biodeterioration, Monuments, Cyanobacteria, Photosynthetic 1. Introduction Cyanobacteria are gram-negative bacteria. Fine types of Cyanobacteria have been identified as toxin producers, including two strains of Anabaena flosaquae, Aphanizomenon flosaquae, Microcyst awruginosa and Nodularia species. Cyanobacteria constitute a phylogenetically coherent group of evolutionarily ancient, morphologically diverse and ecologically important phototropic bacteria (8). They are identified by their ability to carry out oxygenic photosynthesis. It has generally been observed that Cyanobacteria synthesis chlorophyll as a major photosynthetic pigment and phycobiliproteins as light- harvesting pigments. Cyanobacteria are able to grow using CO 2 as the sole source of carbon, which they fix using primarily the reductive pentose phosphate pathways (5). Their chemoorganotrophic potential is restricted to the mobilization of reverse polymers during dark period. Cyanobacteria have left fossil remains as old as 2000-3500 million years and they are believed to be ultimately responsible for Oxygen of earth atmosphere. During their evolution they gave rise to the plastids of algae and higher plants. Many of the Cyanobacteria show the ability of performing photosynthesis as well as nitrogen fixation. They are found to be colonized all types of stone surfaces like limestone, marble, rocks etc. (1). Today, Cyanobacteria make a significant contribution to the global primary production of the ocean and became locally dominant primary producers in many extreme environments. Their global biomass has been estimated to exceed 10 15 gm. of wet biomass, most of which is accounted for by the marine unicellular genera Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus, the filamentous genera Trichodesmium as well as the terrestrial Microcoleus vaginotous and chroococcidiopdis sp. of barren land. As Cyanobacteria are able to survive on almost all types of habitats and on exposed surfaces of ancient walls, they are greatly involved in biodeterioration of monuments (6). This makes more concern about the study of Cyanobacteria as they the agents of stone property degradation in future. Kota which was previously known as Kotah is situated near Chambal River. It has almost average rainfall of 660.6 mm. Garh Palace Kota (Figure 1.a) is a fort cum palace situated in the Kota district of Rajasthan. This place, also known by various other names like City Palace, Kota Garh, and Kota Fort, was founded in the year 1264 AD by Jait Singh after defeating the Chieftan Kotya Bhil of the local community. Located on the banks of River Chambal, this fort is blessed with numerous heritage collection of canons, paintings, armors, places, instruments, dresses, manuscripts, kiosks and buildings belongs to the times of Rajput rulers from 13 th onwards. The scenic view of River Chambal from the top of the Fort is really scintillating. Abheda Mahal (Figure 1.b) situated near the the Chambal river of Kota of Rajasthan. The palace was established by Ummed Singh JI Maharaj, the palace has a great history and Paper ID: SR231129211337 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR231129211337 155