BACTERIA AND FUNGI: THEIR ROLE IN DETERIORATION OF NAHARGARH FORT

Abstract

Nahargarh Fort is situated on Aravali hills and famous for sightseeing. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734. It is mainly composed of sandstone, lime powder and marble. In this article, discussed about bacterial and fungal diversity and deterioration of the site. Total of 188 bacterial and 145 fungal colonies were identified among them Morganella morganii and Fusarium solani most abundant one. Importance value index (IVI) of bacterial species revealed that the Morganella morganii show maximum IVI value (53.06%) and Bacillus sp. (29.01%) shows the least IVI value. And for fungal species, Importance value index (IVI) discloses Fusarium solani shows maximum IVI value (63.22%) and Aspergillus tubingensis (27.55%) shows the least IVI value. The degenerative potential of isolated bacteria and fungi with the help of FE-SEM images was also analysed. This study helps to find the culturable biodeteriogens mainly bacteria and fungi which excreted most of enzymes, acids and pigments to deteriorate the site and appearance. Identified data helps in providing a strategy for healthy environment and identify indigenous culturable micro-organisms from the ancient fort.