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Biological oxidation of sulfur compounds in artificially degraded wood
DOI:
10.1016/j.ibiod.2018.06.009
Authors:
Magdalena
Albelda Berenguer
(University of Neuchâtel)
,
Mathilde
Monachon
(University of Neuchâtel)
,
Clémentine
Jacquet
(University of Neuchâtel)
,
Pilar
Junier
(University of Neuchâtel)
,
Céline
Rémazeilles
(University of La Rochelle)
,
Eleanor J.
Schofield
(The Mary Rose Trust)
,
Edith
Joseph
(University of Neuchâtel; Espace de l'Europe 11)
Co-authored by industrial partner:
No
Type:
Journal Paper
Journal:
International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation
State:
Published (Approved)
Published:
July 2018
Abstract: Marine and lacustrine archaeological waterlogged wood encounters serious problems after excavation due to the accumulation of sulfur and iron compounds during burial. Exposure of these compounds to oxygen results in precipitation of salts and acidification, which can lead to serious structural damage, and ultimately the loss of important cultural heritage. In this study, we evaluated the capacity of the bacterium Thiobacillus denitrificans to transform sulfur compounds commonly found in waterlogged wooden objects, to more readily extractable compounds thereby eliminating the threat of degradation. Oak samples, impregnated with a solution containing iron(II) and sulfides, were used to assess the efficiency of the bacterial treatment. The model wood samples were characterized before and after treatment using different techniques such as ESEM-EDS, micro-Raman spectroscopy, XRD and Sy-XRF mapping. Before treatment, mackinawite (FeS) and mineral sulfur (α-S8) were detected in the impregnated wood. After treatment with T. denitrificans, even though some mineral sulfur remained in the samples, the predominant phase corresponded to oxidized sulfur. This demonstrates that T. denitrificans was able to use the reduced sulfur compounds present in the wood samples as an energy source, thereby producing more soluble oxidized sulfur compounds. In addition, non-invasive techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, were carried out to assess the consequences of the biological treatment on the wood structure. No negative effect on the wood was detected after the treatment in comparison with the reference-impregnated wood. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a biotechnological procedure for the preventive extraction of sulfur species from archaeological waterlogged wood.
Journal Keywords: Waterlogged wood; Iron sulfides; Thiobacillus denitrificans; Cultural heritage
Subject Areas:
Archaeological and Cultural Heritage,
Biology and Bio-materials
Instruments:
I18-Microfocus Spectroscopy