The bioassay with Aspergillus niger is a simple way of determining the presence and amount of pentachlorophenol or tributyltin oxide in wood, but it does not appear useful for measuring strongly fixed chemicals such as chromated copper arsenate, borate, and fluoride. Its effectiveness in detecting other preservatives has not been...
The effect of various wood characteristics on decomposition of metham sodium to methylisothiocyanate in sixteen North American and Southeast Asian hardwoods and softwoods was investigated. While marked differences were noted in the degree of decomposition among some species, the relationship between decomposition and lignin content, extractive levels, wood pH, or...
The resistance of three naturally durable heartwood species and a stranded giant bamboo product to fungal and termite (Coptotermes formosanus) attack was evaluated at a test site located near Hilo, Hawaii. Merbau (Intsia bijuga or I. palembanica) and ipe (Tabebuia spp.) were both exceptionally resistant to fungal and termite attack,...
The levels of copper, chromium, and arsenic in soil surrounding CCA-treated posts and beneath CCA-treated stakes were investigated at a plot near Gainesville, Florida. Metal levels were elevated in soil immediately adjacent to the treated wood, but decreased with distance away or depth. Mean extractable arsenic levels ranged from 1.74...
Hyphal fragments and protoplasts of two wood-degrading fungi, Postia placenta and Trametes versicolor, were used to examine the effects of two fungicides, copper sulfate and azaconazole, on fungal health (as measured by oxygen consumption, glucose utilization, potassium levels, cell regeneration, and copper uptake). Although both cell systems responded to the...
The ability of white and brown rot fungi to colonize wood-plastic composites was investigated by measuring weight loss and anatomical changes. Three composite materials were evaluated. The material containing a 70/30 wood-high density polyethylene (HDPE) mixture was most susceptible to fungal attack, while two different 50/50 wood-HDPE composites experienced little...
The potential effects of plant derived oils on survival of dampwood termite (Zootermopsis augusticollis) workers was explored on western white pine sapwood blocks. All of the oils rapidly affected protozoa in the hindgut of termite workers and protozoa loss was closely followed by worker mortality. The effects were most rapid...