Abstract: The waterlogged wooden artifacts carry abundant social, historical and cultural information, yet their discoloration severely affects the extraction of information, exhibition, and utilization. This review systematically elucidates the discoloration mechanisms of waterlogged wooden artifacts, including changes in chromophores and auxochromes induced by the degradation of the wood itself, as well as the influence of extrinsic factors like microorganisms, sediments, and conservation reagents. Furthermore, it summarizes current decolorization treatments for waterlogged wooden artifacts, such as oxidation, reduction, and desalination. A comparative analysis of these decolorization treatments was also conducted, with respect to their advantages and disadvantages in practical applications. Finally, it is proposed that future research on decolorization treatment for waterlogged wooden artifacts should focus on three key aspects: (1) comprehensively clarifying the discoloration mechanisms, (2) establishing a systematic discoloration diagnostic system, and (3) advancing the standardization and normalization of decolorization treatments. These aim to provide both theoretical and technical support for the conservation of discolored waterlogged wooden artifacts.
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