Lone Ross

Avdelingsleder/forskningssjef

(+47) 911 97 268
lone.ross@nibio.no

Sted
Ås - Bygg H8

Besøksadresse
Høgskoleveien 8, 1433 Ås

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Sammendrag

Abstract This study uses a novel combination of DNA metabarcoding, light microscopy, decay rating, moisture dynamics, and chemical analysis to investigate wood decay in cultural heritage cable car pylons in Svalbard. Uniform design but varying ages allowed analysis of time-dependent decay. Light microscopy revealed the use of both Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris . Decay progressed more rapidly near ground contact, influencing density, lignin, and holocellulose content, with lignin increasing over time. DNA metabarcoding and microscopy revealed dominant brown and soft rot fungi, with greater fungal diversity near ground level. Several new fungal species were identified for Svalbard and the polar regions. In the context of climate change, this highlights the global importance of monitoring fungal decay in wooden structures. The study emphasises the need for updated species lists and continuous monitoring, as new fungi may affect conservation strategies. The interdisciplinary method offers deeper insight into microbial interactions than single-method approaches.

Project image
Circular use of wood in Norway for improved sustainability and innovation - CircWOOD


The future Norwegian bioeconomy must use timber in the most resource-efficient manner. The circWOOD project is a Green Platform project that will look at all aspects of wood use in the Norwegian economy, with particular emphasis on reuse and recycling. The circWOOD project will provide technical support to the Green Platform sirkTRE project, but also operate independently. The focus of the circWOOD project is on analysing the flows for the timber resource through the Norwegian economy and finding new ways to improve the efficiency of use of this increasingly valuable resource. Efficiency will be improved by studying the quantities and types of timber that become available at the end of life and determining the different ways in which the wood can be reused for second lives, or even further down the value chain. In this way stored atmospheric carbon will stay in the Norwegian economy for a longer time. At the present time, there are gaps in our understanding of the availability and quality of reclaimed wood and how this will change going forward. This lack of knowledge is making investment decisions problematical. Apart from improving our understanding of wood availability, the project will also develop methods to ensure that whatever strategies and technologies are adopted, the environmental impacts are minimised and reduced compared to current practice. The gathering of data to support investment and policy decisions is not easy and the circWOOD project will explore ways of simplifying this process through the adoption of the latest methods of electronic data capture, data sharing and analysis. New technologies for the future bioeconomy will not be introduced without the proper policy framework and public acceptance. The circWOOD project will therefore address these vital issues, as well as studying the economic impacts.

Active Updated: 29.09.2025
End: juli 2026
Start: jan 2022