Metagenomic insights into microbial biodeterioration of terracotta in the 18th-century-old temple Jor Mandir

These organisms exhibited biochemical adaptations, including the production of scytonemin and carotenoids, which contributed to photoprotection and substrate weathering. Elemental profiling indicated associations between the aluminosilicate terracotta matrix and surface-associated biofilm material. GC-MS analysis revealed a range of organic compounds, including fatty acid methyl esters, hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, and phthalate derivatives, reflecting the chemically complex nature of the biofilm matrix.

PICRUSt2-based functional reconstruction further indicated a biofilm community with predicted pathways related to biosynthetic processes, biodegradation pathways, and energy metabolism. Together, these descriptive observations provide a site-specific baseline profile of microbial colonisation and biofilm-associated characteristics on the terracotta surfaces of the Jor Mandir complex and highlight the value of integrating microbiological and physicochemical approaches in future monument monitoring and conservation studies.</p>