Biological Deterioration of an Inca Monument at High Altitude in the Andean Range: A Case Study from Ingapirca’s Temple of the Sun (Ecuador)

Scientific studies concerning the causes and consequences of biodeterioration stone monuments located at high altitudes in permanently cold, mountainous regions are scarce. For that reason, this study aimed to detect identify bacteria involved deterioration type monument. To achieve goal, we focused on most important archeological Inca site Ecuadorian Andes: Ingapirca’s Temple Sun, built approximately 500 years ago 3.100 m.a.s.l. We first examined surfaces temple by scanning electron microscopy showed detrimental impact mineral structure green andesite used build temple, caused crustose lichen thalli heterotrophic bacteria. Then, isolated, characterized, identified several these Most them multiplied a wide range temperatures, from 4 °C 30 °C, were thus considered eurypsychrophiles. Actinobacteria Proteobacteria species dominated culturable fraction community. Several isolates produced metabolites solubilized phosphates low temperatures; others iron-containing fractions rock when tested vitro. best our knowledge, is report related an monument such altitude Andes range.