ISSN: 1945-7553
CODEN: JTEVAB
Page Count: 5

Using the Aspergillus Bioassay to Detect and Measure Preservatives in Wood

Morrell, JJ
Associate Professor and Research Associate, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

Scheffer, TC
Associate Professor and Research Associate, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

(Received 13 September 1988; accepted 24 February 1989)

Abstract

Detecting and estimating levels of preservatives in wood poses a considerable problem for the inspector who lacks sophisticated analytical equipment. Bioassays offer a simpler way of doing this. The Aspergillus niger bioassay, which is based on the absence of dark-pigmented spores in the presence of toxicants, represents one attractive method. The A. niger bioassay is simple and inexpensive to perform, sensitive to many currently available wood preservatives, highly reproducible, and potentially widely applicable.

Keywords:
preservative treatment, chemical analysis, bioassay, Aspergillus niger, inspection

Paper ID: JTE11134J
DOI: 10.1520/JTE11134J
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