Trichocoleus desertorum isolated from Negev desert petroglyphs: Characterization, adaptation and bioerosion potential.

The Negev petroglyphs are considered valuable cultural heritage sites, but unfortunately, they are exposed to deterioration processes caused by anthropogenic and natural forces. Despite the many studies that have already pointed to the role of cyanobacteria in biogenic rock weathering, the knowledge involved in the process is still lacking. In this study, a cyanobacterial strain was isolated from the Negev Desert petroglyphs aiming to reveal its involvement in geochemical cycles and in the weathering processes of the rock substrate.