Mycological Investigation of a Wood Substance of Historic Cultural Heritage

Abstract

The wooden Anglican church developed in Arkhangelsk in 1837 is now a regional site of cultural heritage. The main objective of the present research was to investigate the wood substance of the building elements in order to define their durability and mycological vulnerability. The performed examination revealed that the durability of some wooden components and details of the monument gives cause for concern. The wood substance of those details was investigated by the method of quantitative definition of the viable disrupting spores of fungi per 1 cm(2) and number of colony-forming microorganisms per 1 g of a test mass. Durability of the wood substance was determined in accordance with GOST 16483.11-72 and GOST 16483.10-72. The objects of the mycological researches were: the crib works (main, northern and lateral facades); the basement; the roof; the window framings. The taxonomical accessory of the allocated strains of microorganisms was determined. As a result of mycological investigation, the biodeteriorating fungi of Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma koningii, Fusarium solani and Alternaria alternata were discovered. Detection of the actinomycetes, yeast-lice fungi and bacteria confirmed the fungi spores viability. Destructive wood fungi were not found. As a result of determination of wood durability dependence on quantity of the viable spores it is verified that significant destructions of wood substance begins at concentration level more than 100 spore/cm(2). The presented samples of wood have indicated the mycological stability and durability. During usage of the old and new timber for restoration works, obligatory treatment with the protective agents actively suppressing development of all species of microorganisms, including wood-destructive and mold fungi is recommended. The results of the examination of the wooden Anglican church indicate that combination of on-site and mycological investigations of components of a monument enables preservation of historical monuments for long term.