Bacterial degradation of lignified wood cell walls in anaerobic aquatic habitats.

Test blocks of beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) were buried in fresh, brackish, and seawater anaerobic muds for periods ranging between 1 and 18 months. At appropriate time intervals the test blocks were recovered and examined for changes in weight and for bacterial attack of lignified wood cell walls. Only small weight losses occurred. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed that there was extensive superficial bacterial erosion of beech wood cell walls. The decay patterns are illustrated by micrographs and discussed in relation to other types of bacterial attack.