Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-fscjk Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-28T21:23:33.707Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Distinguishing the Signs of Fungal and Burial-Induced Degradation in Waterlogged Wood from Biskupin (Poland) by Scanning Electron Microscopy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 April 2018

Diego Tamburini Open the ORCID record for Diego Tamburini [Opens in a new window] ,
Caroline R. Cartwright ,
Grzegorz Cofta ,
Magdalena Zborowska  and
Miroslava Mamoňová
Diego Tamburini*
Affiliation:
Department of Scientific Research, The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG, UK
Caroline R. Cartwright
Affiliation:
Department of Scientific Research, The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG, UK
Grzegorz Cofta
Affiliation:
Faculty of Wood Technology, Institute of Chemical Wood Technology, Poznan University of Life Science, ul. Wojska Polskiego 38/42, 60-627 Poznań, Poland
Magdalena Zborowska
Affiliation:
Faculty of Wood Technology, Institute of Chemical Wood Technology, Poznan University of Life Science, ul. Wojska Polskiego 38/42, 60-627 Poznań, Poland
Miroslava Mamoňová
Affiliation:
Department of Wood Science, Technical University in Zvolen, T.G. Masaryka 2117/24, SK-96053 Zvolen, Slovak Republic
*
Author for correspondence: Dr. Diego Tamburini, E-mail: DTamburini@britishmuseum.org
Get access

Abstract

A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation of pine (Pinus sylvestris) and oak (Quercus sp.) wood samples exposed to various types of natural degradation is presented with the aim of discussing the correct identification of multiple degradation signs in waterlogged wood. This is part of an experiment performed at the archeological site of Biskupin (Poland) to evaluate the dynamics of short-term wood degradation during reburial and the suitability of excavated wood as substrate for the fungal attack. The final aim is to support and inform the in situ conservation strategy currently applied to archeological woods. To replicate the burial conditions, wood samples were put into lake water and peat. The samples were removed from the burial environments after 4, 6, 8, and 10 years, and then exposed to laboratory-controlled attack by a brown rot fungus Coniophora puteana and a white rot fungus Coriolus versicolor. SEM images were acquired for all samples before and after the fungal attack. The results showed a slight degradation occurred in the burial environments (soft rot and bacteria). In addition, both typical and previously neglected features of fungal attack were observed, highlighting that the extent of the fungal decay varies according to the previous degree of wood degradation. Some comparisons are provided with archeological wood samples from the Biskupin site.

Keywords

SEMwaterlogged woodarcheological woodfungal decayBiskupin
Type
Biological Science Applications
Information
Microscopy and Microanalysis , Volume 24 , Issue 2 , April 2018 , pp. 163 - 182
Copyright
© Microscopy Society of America 2018 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Babiński, L, Fejfer, M and Prądzyński, W (2007) Environmental monitoring at the Lusatian culture settlement in Biskupin, Poland. J Wetland Archaeol 7(1), 51–72.Google Scholar
Babiński, L, Zborowska, M, Gajewska, J, Waliszewska, B and Prądzyński, W (2006) Decomposition of the contemporary oak wood (Quercus sp.) in conditions of the wet archaeological site in Biskupin. Folia For Pol 37, 9–21.Google Scholar
Björdal, C (2012) Microbial degradation of waterlogged archaeological wood. J Cult Herit 13, S118–S122.Google Scholar
Björdal, CG and Nilsson, T (2002) Waterlogged archaeological wood a substrate for white rot fungi during drainage of wetlands. Int Biodeterior Biodegradation 50, 17–23.Google Scholar
Björdal, CG and Nilsson, T (2008) Reburial of shipwrecks in marine sediments: A long-term study on wood degradation. J Archaeol Sci 35, 862–872.Google Scholar
Björdal, CG, Nilsson, T and Daniel, GF (1999) Microbial decay of waterlogged archaeological wood found in Sweden applicable to archaeology and conservation. Int Biodeter Biodegredation 43, 63–73.Google Scholar
Blanchette, RA (2000) A review of microbial deterioration found in archaeological wood from different environments. Int Biodeterior Biodegradation 46, 189–204.Google Scholar
Blanchette, RA, Nilsson, T and Daniel, GF (1990) Biological degradation of wood. In Archaeological Wood: Properties, Chemistry, and Preservation, Rowell RM and Barbour RJ (Eds.), pp. 141–174. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society.Google Scholar
Blanchette, RA, Otjen, L, Effland, MJ and Eslyn, WE (1985) Changes in structural and chemical components of wood delignified by fungi. Wood Sci Technol. 19, 35–46.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Capretti, C, Macchioni, N, Pizzo, B, Galotta, G, Giachi, G and Giampaola, D (2008) The characterisation of waterlogged archaeological wood: The three Roman ships found in Naples (Italy). Archaeometry 50, 855–876.Google Scholar
Cartwright, CR (2001) Cedrus Libani under the microscope; the anatomy of modern and ancient Cedar of Lebanon wood. Archaeol History Lebanon 14, 107–113.Google Scholar
Cartwright, CR (2013) Identifying the woody resources of Diepkloof Rock Shelter (South Africa) using scanning electron microscopy of the MSA wood charcoal assemblages. J Archaeol Sci 40, 3463–3474.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Cartwright, CR (2015) The principles, procedures and pitfalls in identifying archaeological and historical wood samples. Ann Bot 116, 1–13.Google Scholar
Colombini, MP, Łucejko, JJ, Modugno, F, Orlandi, M, Tolppa, E-L and Zoia, L (2009) A multi-analytical study of degradation of lignin in archaeological waterlogged wood. Talanta 80, 61–70.Google Scholar
Dutton, MV, Evans, CS, Atkey, PT and Wood, DA (1993) Oxalate production by basidiomycetes, including the white-rot species Coriolus versicolor and Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 39, 5–10.Google Scholar
Duvnjak, D, Pantić, M, Pavlović, V, Nedović, V, Lević, S, Matijašević, D, Sknepnek, A and Nikšić, M (2016) Advances in batch culture fermented Coriolus versicolor medicinal mushroom for the production of antibacterial compounds. Innov Food Sci Emerg Technol 34, 1–8.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Eriksson, K-E, Blanchette, RA and Ander, P (1990) Microbial and Enzymatic Degradation of Wood and Wood Components. Berlin: Springer-Verlag.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Evans, CS and Palmer, JM (1983) Ligninolytic activity of Coriolus versicolor. Microbiology 129, 2103–2108.Google Scholar
Filley, TR, Cody, GD, Goodell, B, Jellison, J, Noser, C and Ostrofsky, A (2002) Lignin demethylation and polysaccharide decomposition in spruce sapwood degraded by brown rot fungi. Org Geochem 33, 111–124.Google Scholar
Florian, M-LE (1990) Scope and history of archaeological wood. In Archaeological Wood: Properties, Chemistry, and Preservation, Rowell RM and Barbour RJ (Eds.), pp. 3–32. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society.Google Scholar
Fors, Y, Jalilehvand, F, Damian Risberg, E, Bjordal, C, Phillips, E and Sandstrom, M (2012) Sulfur and iron analyses of marine archaeological wood in shipwrecks from the Baltic Sea and Scandinavian waters. J Archaeol Sci 39, 2521–2532.Google Scholar
Fors, Y and Magnus, S (2006) Sulfur and iron in shipwrecks cause conservation concerns. Chem Soc Rev 35, 399–415.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Gasson, P, Cartwright, C and Leme, CLD (2017) Anatomical changes to the wood of (Euphorbiaceae) when charred at different temperatures. IAWA J 38, 117–123.Google Scholar
Geoffrey, D (2014) Fungal and bacterial biodegradation: white rots, brown rots, soft rots, and bacteria. In Deterioration and Protection of Sustainable Biomaterials, Schultz TP, Goodell B and Nicholas DD (Eds.), pp. 23–58. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society.Google Scholar
Guggiari, M, Bloque, R, Aragno, M, Verrecchia, E, Job, D and Junier, P (2011) Experimental calcium-oxalate crystal production and dissolution by selected wood-rot fungi. Int Biodeterior Biodegradation 65, 803–809.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hatakka, A (2005) Biodegradation of lignin. In Lignin, Humic Substances and Coal, Hofrichter M and Steinbüchel A (Eds.), pp. 129–180. Germany: Wiley VCH.Google Scholar
Hedges, JI (1990) The chemistry of archaeological wood. In Archaeological Wood, Rowell RM and Barbour RJ (Eds.), pp. 111–140. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society.Google Scholar
Irbe, I, Andersone, I, Andersons, B, Noldt, G, Dizhbite, T, Kurnosova, N, Nuopponen, M and Stewart, D (2011) Characterisation of the initial degradation stage of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) sapwood after attack by brown-rot fungus Coniophora puteana. Biodegradation 22, 719–728.Google Scholar
Irbe, I, Andersons, B, Chirkova, J, Kallavus, U, Andersone, I and Faix, O (2006) On the changes of pinewood (Pinus sylvestris L.) chemical composition and ultrastructure during the attack by brown-rot fungi Postia placenta and Coniophora puteana. Int Biodeterior Biodegradation 57, 99–106.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kim, YS and Singh, AP (2000) Micromorphological characteristics of wood biodegradation in wet environments: a review. IAWA J 21, 135–155.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Klaassen, RKWM (2014) Speed of bacterial decay in waterlogged wood in soil and open water. Int Biodeterior Biodegradation 86(Pt B), 129–135.Google Scholar
Kleist, G and Schmitt, U (2001) Characterisation of a soft rot-like decay pattern caused by Coniophora puteana (Schum.) Karst. in Sapelli wood (Entandrophragma cylindricum Sprague). Holzforschung 55(6), 573–578.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lee, KH, Wi, SG, Singh, AP and Kim, YS (2004) Micromorphological characteristics of decayed wood and laccase produced by the brown-rot fungus Coniophora puteana. J Wood Sci 50, 281–284.Google Scholar
Łucejko, JJ, Mattonai, M, Zborowska, M, Tamburini, D, Cofta, G, Cantisani, E, Kúdela, J, Cartwright, C, Colombini, MP, Ribechini, E and Modugno, F (2018) Deterioration effects of wet environments and brown rot fungus Coniophora puteana on pine wood in the archaeological site of Biskupin (Poland). Microchem J. 138, 132–146.Google Scholar
Martínez, ÁT, Speranza, M, Ruiz-Dueñas, FJ, Ferreira, P, Camarero, S, Guillén, F, Martínez, MJ, Gutiérrez, A and del Río, JC (2005) Biodegradation of lignocellulosics: microbial, chemical, and enzymatic aspects of the fungal attack of lignin. Int Microbiol 8, 195–204.Google Scholar
Pandey, KK and Pitman, AJ (2003) FTIR studies of the changes in wood chemistry following decay by brown-rot and white-rot fungi. Int Biodeterior Biodegradation 52, 151–160.Google Scholar
Piotrowski, W (1984) Fifty years of work in Biskupin. Popular Archaeology May, 16–20.Google Scholar
Preston, J, Smith, AD, Schofield, EJ, Chadwick, AV, Jones, MA and Watts, JEM (2014) The effects of Mary Rose conservation treatment on iron oxidation processes and microbial communities contributing to acid production in marine archaeological timbers. PLoS One 9, 1–8.Google Scholar
Sandström, M, Jalilehvand, F, Damian, E, Fors, Y, Gelius, U, Jones, M and Salome, M (2005) Sulfur accumulation in the timbers of King Henry VIII’s warship Mary Rose: A pathway in the sulfur cycle of conservation concern. Proc Natl Acad Sci 102, 14165–14170.Google Scholar
Sandström, M, Jalilehvand, F, Persson, I, Gelius, U, Frank, P and Hall-Roth, I (2002) Deterioration of the seventeenth-century warship Vasa by internal formation of sulphuric acid. Nature 415, 893–897.Google Scholar
Schilling Jonathan, S and Jellison, J (2005) Oxalate regulation by two brown rot fungi decaying oxalate-amended and non-amended wood. Holzforschung 59(6), 681–688.Google Scholar
Schilling, JS (2006) Oxalate production and cation translocation during wood biodegredation by fungi, PhD Thesis, The University of Maine, Orono, ME.Google Scholar
Schmitt, U, Singh, AP, Thieme, H, Friedrich, P and Hoffmann, P (2005) Electron microscopic characterization of cell wall degradation of the 400,000-year-old wooden Schöningen spears. Holz Roh Werkst 63, 118–122.Google Scholar
Schniewind, AP (1990) Physical and mechanical properties of archaeological wood. In Archaeological Wood: Properties, Chemistry, and Preservation, Rowell RM and Barbour RJ (Eds.), pp. 87–110. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society.Google Scholar
Schwarze, FWMR (2007) Wood decay under the microscope. Fungal Biol Rev 21, 133–170.Google Scholar
Singh, AP (2012) A review of microbial decay types found in wooden objects of cultural heritage recovered from buried and waterlogged environments. J Cult Herit 13, S16–S20.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Skyba, O, Douglas, CJ and Mansfield, SD (2013) Syringyl-rich lignin renders poplars more resistant to degradation by wood decay fungi. Appl Environ Microbiol 79, 2560–2571.Google Scholar
Tamburini, D, Łucejko, JJ, Zborowska, M, Modugno, F, Cantisani, E, Mamoňová, M and Colombini, MP (2017) The short-term degradation of cellulosic pulp in lake water and peat soil: A multi-analytical study from the micro to the molecular level. Int Biodeterior Biodegradation 116, 243–259.Google Scholar
Tamburini, D, Łucejko, JJ, Zborowska, M, Modugno, F, Prądzyński, W and Colombini, MP (2015) Archaeological wood degradation at the site of Biskupin (Poland): Wet chemical analysis and evaluation of specific Py-GC/MS profiles. J Anal Appl Pyrolysis 115, 7–15.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Waliszewska, B, Zborowska, M, Prądzyński, W, Babiński, L and Kudela, J (2007) Characterisation of 2700-year old wood from Biskupin. Wood Res 52, 11–22.Google Scholar
Wilson, MA, Godfrey, IM, Hanna, JV, Quezada, RA and Finnie, KS (1993) The degradation of wood in old Indian ocean shipwrecks. Org Geochem 20, 599–610.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Yelle, DJ, Ralph, J, Lu, F and Hammel, KE (2008) Evidence for cleavage of lignin by a brown rot basidiomycete. Environ Microbiol 10, 1844–1849.Google Scholar
Zborowska, M, Babiński, L, Waliszewska, B and Prądzyński, W (2006) Chemical characterisation of archaeological oak- and pinewood from Biskupin. In The 5th International Symposium Wood Structure and Properties, Kurjatko S, Kudela J and Lagana R (Eds.), pp. 431–434. Sielnica, Zvolen: Technical University Zvolen, Arbora Publishers.Google Scholar