Summary
During their metabolism, microorganisms can produce acids able to bring about the degradation of cement. Two acid-producing alkalophilic fungal strains have been isolated from soil, a strain ofAspergillus niger which produces gluconic and oxalic acid and ofMycelia sterila which produces gluconic and malic acid. After eleven months of contact the acids produced byAspergillus dissolved portlandite with a low leaching of calcium, increased the cement porosity by 11.4%, and reduced the bending strength by 78%. The second strain is responsible for a significant dissolution of portlandite with a leaching of calcium of 4.2% of the initial content, an increase of the porosity of 11%, and a loss of the bending strength of 62%. Direct contact of mycelia with the cement surface is not necessary for effective dissolution to take place. Low pH and a high temperature favor the the production of acids.
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Perfettini, J.V., Revertegat, E. & Langomazino, N. Evaluation of cement degradation induced by the metabolic products of two fungal strains. Experientia 47, 527–533 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01949872
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01949872