Bio-deterioration of stone works is mainly due to bio-film formation, bio-corrosion caused by organic and inorganic acids, redox processes on cations from the mineral lattice and physical penetration by microbial communities. Outdoor cultural property or stone monumental structures and other ancient buildings are particularly susceptible to these factors. As usual growing on the surface of stone monuments, various microorganisms also colonize the interior of the stone matrix. Lichens and fungi can cause serious degradation and deterioration by physical penetration of the micro organism. Fungal hyphae are able to penetrate deeply beneath the stone surface, leading to mechanical deterioration and degradation. The problem of deterioration and weathering of the monument is particularly relevant in countries like India where monuments are rich in cultural heritage.

The book entitled Ecofriendly Approach for Conservation of Cultural Heritage is the outcome of my Ph.D. (research) work. The main subject of this work is to study the micro fungi community on monuments by using culture growth and microscopic observations in order to evaluate the potential damage caused by fungal species and then undertake chemical conservation and preservation of the monuments. This book focused scientific investigations on the subject of bio-deterioration of stone of cultural heritage in tropical regions through discussions on the extent of the problem, available preventive and remedial treatments, and current research based on isolation and identification of fungal flora on the monuments and their conservation by natural herbal product like medicinal plant extract of various plants. Preservation of this material from fungal deterioration by using safe or eco-friendly fungicide was national goal in this work. In order to be applied in the cultural heritage field these new substances must be, other than active as settlement inhibitors, not dangerous for the integrity of the stone surface, i.e. not change the colour and without reaction with the stone components. This book has concentrated on the elimination of microorganisms from selected archaeological monuments of Chhattisgarh and their conservation and preservation with eco- friendly chemicals extracted from medicinal plants.

Dr. Sanjay Prasad Gupta (born.1977) working as an Assistant Archaeological Chemist in Archaeological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, since 16th November, 2004. He did his Ph.D on Novel Chemical Approaches for Conservation Against Bio-deterioration of Outdoor Cultural Heritage of Chhattisgarh from Mats University, Raipur in 2015. He has gained a vast experience of teaching from Govt. Polytechnic, Ambikapur, Govt. Boy's H.S.S., Lundra, Govt. Multipurpose H.S.S., Ambikapur, Kendriya Vidyalaya Ambikapur and Govt. P.G. College, Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh. He has successfully completed his assignments like Scientific Conservation [Chemical Treatment and Preservation (C.T. & P.)] work of Centrally protected monuments including World Heritage Monuments i.e. Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikari & Agra Fort and execution of other ASI protected monuments of  Uttar Pradesh and Uttrakhand under the jurisdiction of Archaeological Survey of India, Northern Zone Agra Fort, Agra , C.T. & P to Lal Masjid Tizara under  Jaipur Zone and Chemical Treatment and preservation of Kala Dera I and II temple at Manwal of Udhampur District under Jurisdiction of Srinagar Circle, Jammu & Kashmir. He has been also associated for Scientific Conservation work of Sri Kedarnathji temple, Kedarnath and different scientific studies related to development of conservation measures for the preservation of cultural heritage of country.  He has published 25 research articles in International referred journals and 16 research papers in National reputed journals. During his tenure of service, he has presented more than 30 research papers in both National and International conference and seminars. He is the life member of four professional and academic bodies. Presently he is working in the Archaeological Survey of India, Raipur Circle, Chhattisgarh.