DETERIORATION OF PAINTED WALL SURFACE BY FUNGAL SAPROBES: ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION

Abstract

Fungal saprobes were isolated from selected areas of deteriorated painted surfaces from downtown areas of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. The purpose of this study was to contribute the knowledge of mycoflora inhabiting the painted wall surfaces in buildings. The standard microbiological techniques were used for isolation and identification of fungal saprobes. The fungi isolated from deterioration of painted wall surface belongs to 12 different species; the most prevalent represents genera Penicillium, Aspergillus, Colletotrichum, Acremonium, Trichoderma, Fusarium, Curvularia, Mucor and Alternaria. The use of antibiotic coated paint would possibly reduce the bio-deterioration, improve the shelf life and retain the beauty of wall paints