Preserving cultural heritage by preventing bacterial decay of wood in foundation poles and archaeological sites

Objective

Historic buildings (with wooden foundation poles) and archaeological wood will be preserved by solving the problem of bacterial degradation of wood (a threat concerning wood across Europe). In both cases the environmental conditions are very similar. There is little (or no) oxygen present and there is a risk from environmental pollutant. Bacterial degradation of wood is not fully understood. Until now identification of the bacteria was impossible. This project willidentify the bacteria responsible, a major advance beyond the state of the art. Identification will use advanced molecular DNA biology. The identity of the bacteria will enable us to develop techniques for prediction, diagnosis, monitoring, prevention and curing environmental damage cussed by bacterial attack. One of the aims is to explore the efficiency of phages (bacterial specific viruses, a recent medical breakthrough) in preservation methodology.

Programme(s)

• FP5-EESD - Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Energy, environment and sustainable development, 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

• 1.1.4.-4. - Key action City of Tomorrow and Cultural Heritage

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

STICHTING HOUT RESEARCH

Address

Wildekamp 1 C
6704 AT Wageningen
Netherlands

Participants (7)

FUGRO ENGINEERS B.V.

Netherlands

Address

Gyroscoopweg 94
1042 AX Amsterdam

GEORG-AUGUST-UNIVERSITY GOETTINGEN

Germany

Address

Buesgenweg 2
37077 Goettingen

NEDERLANDS CENTRUM VOOR DENDROCHRONOLOGIE - STICHTING RING

Netherlands

Address

1,Kerkstraat 1
3811 CV Amersfoort

PHAGEN AB

Sweden

Address

Berzelius Science Park
582 25 Linkoeping

RIJKSDIENST VOOR HET OUDHEIDKUNDIG BODEMONDERZOEK

Netherlands

Address

1,Kerkstraat 1
3800 BP Amersfoort

THE SWEDISH UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

Sweden

Address

Vallvaegen 9
750 08 Uppsala

UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH

United Kingdom

Address

King Henry I Street
PO1 2DY Portsmouth