Biodegradation of Abies bornmülleriana (Mattf.) and Fagus orientalis (L.) by the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The effects of Phanerochaete chrysosporium, a white rot fungus, on the chemical composition of Abies bornmülleriana and Fagus orientalis wood chips were investigated. After the chips were inoculated with the fungus, 20-, 40- and 60-day samples were analysed in order to determine the influence of fungal treatment on the chemical components of the cell walls, and the fibre properties of both species were measured. As a result of P. chrysosporium growth, both types of wood had slight relative increases in percentage cellulose. Percentage holocellulose showed statistically significant decreases and solubility values increased considerably. The lignin ratio for F. orientalis decreased significantly in relation to zero-time control samples.