Bacterial Wood Degradation

The oil crisis during the 1970s turned interest towards the utilization of renewable resources and towards lignocellulosics in particular. The 1970s were also the cradle period of biotechnology, and the years when biotechnical utilization of lignocellulosic waste from agriculture and forestry gained priori ty. This was a logical conclusion since one of nature's most important biologi cal reactions is the conversion of wood and other lignocellulosic materials to carbon dioxide, water and humic substances. However, while biotechnology in other areas like medicine and pharmacology concerned production of expen sive products on a small scale, biotechnical utilization and conversion of ligno cellulosics meant production of inexpensive products on a large scale. Biotechnical utilization of lignocellulosic materials is therefore a very difficult task, and the commercial utilization of this technology has not progressed as rapidly as one would have desired. One reason for this was the lack of basic knowledge of enzyme mechanisms involved in the degradation and conversion of wood, other lignocellulosics and their individual components. There are also risks associated with initiating a technical development before a stable platform of knowledge is available. Several of the projects started with en thusiasm have therefore suffered some loss of interest. Also contributing to this failing interest is the fact that the oil crisis at the time was not a real one. At present, nobody predicts a rapid exhaustion of the oil resources and fuel production from lignocellulosics is no longer a high priority.

Wood Microbiology, Second Edition, presents the latest advances in wood decay and its prevention. Coverage includes classification of fungi and bacteria, factors affecting growth and survival, fungal metabolism, and wood chemistry. There are also chapters that focus on the anatomical aspects, chemical changes, and ultrastructural effects of wood decay. Additionally, this book discusses major issues associated with wood decay, detecting decay, and how to take protective action against it. This is a one-stop reference resource for wood scientists, wood processing and preserving professionals, foresters and forest pathologists, as well as students of forestry, and wood science and technology courses. It is authored by two leading experts with over 80 years of experience working with timber durability. Provides updated taxonomy and classification of decay groups Presents detailed descriptions of anatomical, chemical, and ultrastructural aspects of wood decay Includes discussions on major issues associated with decay, how to detect decay and preventative measures

This volume comprises the papers presented at the Session on Wood Products Pathology during the 2nd International Congress on Plant Pathology on 10th - 12th September 1973 in Minneapolis/USA. The topics were dealt with under four heads, viz. Interaction of Microorganisms during Wood Decay, Bacterial Degradation of Wood, Decay of Resistant Wood and Enzymatic Mechanisms of Deterioration Process, followed by a Discussion Session on Extension: an obli gation of all Wood Products Pathologists •. Thanks to the cooperation of the authors all the papers could be compiled in this volume. The conference gave an unique possibility to discuss in depth the principles of wood decay by microorganisms from the various angles. The chapters give detailed information on the current progress and problems in wood products pathology. They are therefore collected together in this volume so that people interested in this field will have immediate access to the material and ideas presented. The topic of this Session, the degradation of wood by fungi and bacteria, has become more and more important during the last years. Wood is the only renewable natural resource and raw material of man so that it must be preserved against unwanted deterioration. On the other hand, its natural decomposition does not lead to any harmful products but only to carbondioxide and water. Both aspects have been dealt with in this volume. Hamburg, March 1975 Walter Liese Contributors A.F.BRAVERY, Building Research Establishment, Princes Risborough Laboratory, Princes Risborough, U.K.

In recent years considerable progress has been made in elucidating wood decay mechanisms. This basic knowledge not only has the potential to develop alternative environmentally-benign wood preservatives, but may also impact other areas such as bioremediation and pulp and paper. This book will summarize the latest knowledge of the developments, potential impacts, and applications from some of the world's leading experts.

Combining chemistry with techniques of preserving archaeological wood, these 17 essays are based on current understanding of the structure of wood and the mechanisms of its degradation. Topics include the chemical composition of wood and changes brought about by the decay process, biopredators, curing and preservation techniques, museum environments, and the ethics of conservation. For conservators and wood-oriented scientists. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR