Topochemical and transmission electron microscopic studies of bacterial decay in pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) harbour foundation piles

► Basic topochemical UMSP investigations on bacterial degraded wood. ► Lignin modification mainly occurs in the region of S2. ► Residual material consists of unmodified and modified lignin compounds. ► Depolymerization of the native ligno-cellulosic matrix causes increase in UV-absorbance.