Microbial Remediation of Preservative-Treated Wood and Reuse of the Decontaminated Wood: A Short Review

Wood, with its excellent properties, has been used by humans for thousands of years. However, it is nonetheless susceptible to biodegradation and attack by microbes and insects, leading to a shortened lifespan. Wood is treated with preservatives using physical or chemical techniques to extend its durability. Nevertheless, the gravity of ecological perils and human hazards posed by inorganic wood preservatives has led to recognizing the urgent need for their effective elimination. Among the decontamination methodologies, microbial remediation is deemed an environmentally benign approach, boasting immense potential beyond conventional methods. The bioremediation of treated wood is categorized into direct and indirect microbial remediation. Direct microbial remediation involves the application of fungi, bacteria, and algae alongside non-living bio-sorbents. Conversely, indirect microbial remediation encompasses secondary metabolites produced by microorganisms, phytoremediation, and nanoparticle-assisted treatment techniques. The crucial solution for eliminating heavy metals from treated wood necessitates the amalgamation of diverse technologies to attain superior performance. Compared with preservative-treated wood, the decontaminated wood, after bioremediation, with less or no toxicity, resulted in the reuse of wood wastes. Hence, the efficient reuse of bioremediation wood is of utmost significance.