Metagenomic study of microbiome and key geochemical potentials associated with cultural heritage: A case study of the ancient wall in Shou County, Mid-China

The preservation and protection of cultural heritage are closely linked to the types and functions of microorganisms forming biofilms on its surface, which affect the biodegradation of cultural heritage through chemical element cycling. This study used metagenomic methods to investigate the microbial diversity and taxonomic composition of microbial communities on the millennium-old city wall of Shou county, a material cultural heritage site in China.