Fixation of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) in selected Appalachian hardwoods

In the Appalachian region, various hardwood species are commercially treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) preservative. Previous research has shown that fixation of CCA in hardwoods is different than in softwood species. Because of the fixation differences between softwoods and hardwoods there is concern about the preservative efficacy of CCA treated hardwoods. Leaching of CCA components from hardwoods into the environment poses the greatest concern among scientists and the public alike. In this study beech, basswood, red oak, yellow-poplar and pine were treated with CCA following standard laboratory procedures and conditioned (fixed) for two weeks at ambient conditions. Following fixation, the samples were leached following the American Wood preserver’s Association (AWPA) guidelines. The leachates were examined for copper, chrome and arsenic using atomic absorption analysis and the amount of hexavalent () chromium leached was determined by spectrophotometry. The results indicate that the beech, basswood and yellow-poplar leached less chromium and copper than the pine. The hardwoods leached more arsenic than the pine except for the basswood. Further work needs to be conducted to determine if extended periods of fixation will reduce the amount of CCA leached.

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