Leaching of chromated copper arsenate wood preservatives: a review

• Published in: Environmental Pollution 2001, Vol.111 (1), p.53-66
• Main Authors: Hingston, J.A, Collins, C.D, Murphy, R.J, Lester, J.N
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Arsenates - chemistry; Arsenic; Biocides; Biological and physicochemical phenomena; Chromium; Copper; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Exact sciences and technology; Humans; Miscellaneous; Natural water pollution; Pollution; Pollution, environment geology; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water treatment and pollution; Wood; Wood preservation; Wood. Paper. Non wovens
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/S0269-7491(00)00030-0

“Capsule”: A review of the existing literature about the wood preservative chromated copper arsenate (CCA) indicates not enough is known about leaching of CCA from treated wood. Recent studies have generated conflicting data regarding the bioaccumulation and toxicity of leachates from preservative-treated wood. Due to the scale of the wood preserving industry, timber treated with the most common preservative, chromated copper arsenate (CCA), may form a significant source of metals in the aquatic environment. The existing literature on leaching of CCA is reviewed, and the numerous factors affecting leaching rates, including pH, salinity, treatment and leaching test protocols are discussed. It is concluded from the literature that insufficient data exists regarding these effects to allow accurate quantification of leaching rates, and also highlights the need for standardised leaching protocols.