IMPACT OF STORAGE CONDITIONS ON BIODETERIORATION OF ANCIENT EGYPTIAN CHILD MUMMIES BY XEROPHILIC FUNGI

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Conservation dept., Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo Univ., Giza, Egypt

Abstract

The study was conducted on a child's mummy aged 6 to 8 years, with a damaged skull. It was
found in Dahshur, Egypt. 10 fungal species were isolated and identified. Fungi have been
determined by PCR amplification and sequencing as follows: Cladosporium cladosporioides
(LC325159), Penicillium chrysogenum (LC325162) and Aspergillus flavus (LC325160). Modern
linen samples were inoculated and incubated by the isolated fungi for a period of three months.
Fungi decay results were assessed using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (EDX) and X
Ray Diffraction (XRD). It was evident that NaCl (100%) have been used in the mummification
process and the three identified fungi could grow on linen even under high saline (NaCl)
conditions. C. cladosporioides showed a considerable increment in hyphal production, while P.
chrysogenum hyphae were filled with salt crystals. Growth of A. flavus covered linen surface, while
salt crystals were found in the conidiophores. Xerophilic and Halophilic fungi grown and caused
decay of the mummy located in the burial chamber.

Keywords

Egyptian Journal of Archaeological and Restoration Studies
Volume 8, Issue 2
December 2018
Pages 97-107

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