Determining the presence of wood decay fungi in the historic huts of the Ross Sea from splinter samples

The presence of wood decay fungi may pose structural problems for future preservation of the historic huts and have unknown consequences on the Antarctic ecosystem. Wood was also used in the past in the construction and maintenance of Scott Base.

This work specifically aimed to isolate, identify and characterise wood inhabiting fungi of the historic huts and Scott Base and to evaluate potential damage to wooden structures and artifacts. Splinter samples were obtained from Shackleton's hut at Cape Royds and from the Scott's Hut at Hut Point. Any fungi isolated was tested as to whether they produce the type of enzymes which degrade the celluloses and lignin compounds in wood.