The natural wood submerged or partially immersed in sea water is commonly affected by certain microorganisms. The bacteria and marine borers that decay the wood totally submerged in sea water and above sea level other microorganisms as fungi, algae, insects may attacked wood. The sea water may affect and change the properties of wood. We have tried to determine the susceptibility to decay caused by brown rot fungi of wood, which was previously submerged in the Baltic sea. The aim of the research was to compare the grade of decay caused by brown rot fungus Coniophora puteana on oak wood which was submerged for 6 month in the Baltic sea with the decay’s grade of twin control oak wood that was not submerged in sea water. The wood was tested using the method based on EN 113. It appeared the oak wood which was submerged in sea water was decayed by the fungus by similar grade as control oak wood tested in the same Kolle test flask but distinctly stronger than control oak wood tested separately together with Scots pine wood.

Download document (227 kb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document