Much of the Great Wall remains strong thanks to cyanobacteria and algae that protect it from erosion. A study by scientists from the China Agricultural University in Beijing was published in the journal. Science Developments.
To test the strength and integrity of the Great Wall, scientists collected samples from eight different sites built between 1368 and 1644 BC. During the Ming Dynasty. 67% of the samples contained thin microbe bioshells. Such areas were three times stronger and strengthened the moss wall especially effectively. Scientists explained that this is because cyanobacteria and other microbes secrete substances that adhere tightly to soil particles, essentially forming cement.
The Great Wall of China stretches for more than 21 thousand kilometers and was built over centuries, starting from 221 BC. During construction, workers often used a mixture of organic materials including soil and rock. This material supports the growth of cyanobacteria (microbes that produce certain nutrients using solar energy), algae and lichens.
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