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Leaching of chromated copper arsenate wood preservatives: a review
J A Hingston1, C D Collins, R J Murphy
1Environmental Processes and Water Technology Research Group, T.H. Huxley School of the Environment, Earth Sciences and Engineering, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Royal School of Marines Building, London SW7 2BP, UK.
Abstract:
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.