Microbial Contamination, Degradation Characteristics of Dominant Bacteria on the Hull of the Nanhai No. 1 Shipwreck.
Wang Y, Han Y, Wang C, Wang Z, Guan Z
Wood Preservation
The same wood-eating bacteria threatening a 800-year-old shipwreck hull are active in waterlogged timber, garden raised beds, and reclaimed wood structures — understanding which enzymes they use to digest cellulose and lignin is directly relevant to anyone preserving wood outdoors.
Scientists studied the tiny organisms growing on an ancient sunken ship's wooden hull to figure out which bacteria were eating away at the wood. They found one particularly aggressive bacterium that produces multiple enzymes capable of breaking down both the structural fiber and the tough outer coating of wood. They also tested common disinfectants and found that cinnamon-derived compounds and a standard preservative could stop the bacteria, but only if sprayed thoroughly and completely.
Key Findings
Brevibacterium sp. (NH.SH-B6) was the most destructive strain, producing four wood-degrading enzymes including cellulase and multiple lignin-attacking enzymes
The bacterium's lignin-degrading enzyme (LiP) peaked in activity at pH 7 with 10% salt and 1000 mg/L iron sulfate — conditions relevant to marine-adjacent preservation environments
50 mg/mL cinnamaldehyde and 0.5% isothiazolinone K100 effectively inhibited the bacteria, but incomplete spray coverage allowed bacterial regrowth
chevron_right Technical Summary
Researchers identified bacteria breaking down the ancient wood of the Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck and found that common antibacterial sprays weren't fully protecting it. They pinpointed the most destructive bacterial strain and the best conditions to stop it.
Abstract Preview
To clarify the microbial contamination and wood degradation risk of the Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck hull and verify on-site antibacterial agent effectiveness, microbial samples were collected and analyz...
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