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Due to the inherent metals (Cu, As and Cr) in preserved wood waste (CCA-treated wood waste) that pose a risk to both the environment and human health, it is crucial to dispose of CCA-treated wood properly. Carbon materials have received widespread attention for their high porosity, renewability and simplicity of fabrication. This work presents a simple and effective process for producing carbon materials from leftover CCA-treated wood (chromated copper arsenate). Utilizing CCA-treated wood derived carbon (CCA-BC) and activating it with KOH (CCA-AC), electrode materials for supercapacitor applications were created and its electrochemical characteristics were investigated. The resulting material combines the conductivity of the metal in preserved wood with the good porosity provided by carbon materials. Compared with common wood biomass, carbon (W-BC) and common wood activated carbon (W-AC), CCA-BC and CCA-AC have better electrochemical properties. After being pyrolyzed at 600 °C for two hours, CCA-AC performed optimally electrochemically in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte, demonstrating a 72% capacity retention rate after 2000 charge and discharge cycles and a specific capacity of 76.7 F/g. This study provides a novel approach for the manufacture of supercapacitor electrodes, which also allows preserved wood waste an environmentally nondestructive form of elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioremediation is an effective way to remove heavy metals from pollutants. This study investigated the effects of Yarrowia lipolytica (Y. lipolytica) on the bioremediation of chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood wastes. Copper ions stressed the yeast strains to improve their bioremediation efficiency. A comparison of changes in morphology, chemical composition, and metal content of CCA wood before and after bioremediation was conducted. The amount of arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu) was quantified by microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer. The results showed that yeast strains remained on the surface of CCA-treated wood after bioremediation. The morphologies of the strains changed from net to spherical because of the Cu2+ stress. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed that carboxylic acid groups of wood were released after removing heavy metals. A large amount of oxalic acid was observed when the optical density (OD600nm) was 0.05 on the 21st day. Meanwhile, the highest removal rate of Cu, As, and Cr was 82.8%, 68.3%, and 43.1%, respectively. Furthermore, the Cu removal from CCA-treated wood increased by about 20% after Cu2+ stress. This study showed that it is feasible to remove heavy metals from CCA-treated wood by Y. lipolytica without destroying the wood structure, especially by copper-induced Y. lipolytica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the inherent metals (Cu, As and Cr) in preserved wood waste (CCA-treated wood waste) that pose a risk to both the environment and human health, it is crucial to dispose of CCA-treated wood properly. Carbon materials have received widespread attention for their high porosity, renewability and simplicity of fabrication. This work presents a simple and effective process for producing carbon materials from leftover CCA-treated wood (chromated copper arsenate). Utilizing CCA-treated wood derived carbon (CCA-BC) and activating it with KOH (CCA-AC), electrode materials for supercapacitor applications were created and its electrochemical characteristics were investigated. The resulting material combines the conductivity of the metal in preserved wood with the good porosity provided by carbon materials. Compared with common wood biomass, carbon (W-BC) and common wood activated carbon (W-AC), CCA-BC and CCA-AC have better electrochemical properties. After being pyrolyzed at 600 °C for two hours, CCA-AC performed optimally electrochemically in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte, demonstrating a 72% capacity retention rate after 2000 charge and discharge cycles and a specific capacity of 76.7 F/g. This study provides a novel approach for the manufacture of supercapacitor electrodes, which also allows preserved wood waste an environmentally nondestructive form of elimination.

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Bioremediation is an effective way to remove heavy metals from pollutants. This study investigated the effects of Yarrowia lipolytica (Y. lipolytica) on the bioremediation of chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood wastes. Copper ions stressed the yeast strains to improve their bioremediation efficiency. A comparison of changes in morphology, chemical composition, and metal content of CCA wood before and after bioremediation was conducted. The amount of arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu) was quantified by microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer. The results showed that yeast strains remained on the surface of CCA-treated wood after bioremediation. The morphologies of the strains changed from net to spherical because of the Cu2+ stress. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed that carboxylic acid groups of wood were released after removing heavy metals. A large amount of oxalic acid was observed when the optical density (OD600nm) was 0.05 on the 21st day. Meanwhile, the highest removal rate of Cu, As, and Cr was 82.8%, 68.3%, and 43.1%, respectively. Furthermore, the Cu removal from CCA-treated wood increased by about 20% after Cu2+ stress. This study showed that it is feasible to remove heavy metals from CCA-treated wood by Y. lipolytica without destroying the wood structure, especially by copper-induced Y. lipolytica.

Waste from the maintenance of electricity distribution networks is generated every day, in repairing and replacement of components used in electricity distribution networks. Among the most dangerous residues, wood poles treated with chromated copper arsenate are distinguished by the toxicity of the chemical treatment it has been submitted to, as well as its ceramic insulators, due to the difficult recyclability of this material. Thus, an alternative may be the reuse of these components as reinforcing elements in polymeric composites. Based on this, two residues were used as fillers for the production of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) hybrid composites, wood powder, and insulating ceramic powder. Degradation by ultraviolet (UV) exposure in controlled environments of the composites was also evaluated, and toxicity tests were carried out based on the leaching of these loads with increased exposure time to degradation. Composites presented higher tensile and flexural properties than pure HDPE, and after the exposure to the UV degradation process, the composites presented fewer cracks when compared to HDPE. After exposure to the simulated degradation environment, the levels of chromium, copper, and arsenic leached were within the limits allowed by the standard that provides classification and means of disposal of these materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterborne chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is a highly effective, widely used wood preservative. While it does not appear to markedly alter the flaming behaviour of treated wood, there are significant concerns regarding post-fire smouldering. Our understanding of the mechanisms and factors affecting smouldering behaviour is currently insufficiently developed. This study used a multiscale approach to better understand smouldering in slash pine treated to different CCA retentions and investigated reaction kinetics through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in addition to Cone Calorimeter smouldering tests. Derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) showed that the temperatures at the onset of pyrolysis and oxidation, and where the maximum rate of decomposition occurred were both lowered by CCA treatment, and effects became more pronounced as CCA retention increased. Bench-scale smouldering tests showed that the smouldering mass loss rate increased with higher CCA retention, lower wood density, and prolonged heat exposure. Smouldering mode changed from a steady to an unsteady pattern as CCA retentions decreased to a threshold from combined pyrolysis and oxidation to isolated char-to-ash oxidation. Once initiated, the reaction can be self-sustaining until all the mass has been consumed regardless of the initial smouldering rate. • Increasing CCA retention lowers the oxidation and pyrolysis temperatures of wood. • Smouldering rates increase with higher CCA retention, lower density, and prolonged heating. • During steady smouldering, a threshold in the reaction mechanism was observed. • Thermogravimetric analysis results can be used to predict smouldering behaviour on a larger scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Waterborne treated wood has high concentrations of arsenic, copper, and chromium. • Arsenic limits recycling of disposed wood with peak disposal of 18,400 metric tons. • Copper replaced arsenic in residential formulations. • Projected disposal of copper is estimated at 20,900 tons per year by 2030. • Extreme sorting will be necessary for C&D wood to meet industrial risk based levels. Construction and demolition (C&D) wood can be recycled as mulch for landscaping or cogeneration. Limitations to such recycling are dependent on metals concentrations in mulch (As, Cu, and Cr) from the inclusion of waterborne-preservative treated wood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the amount of waterborne-preservative treated wood (by wood volume and by mass of metal) that enters the C&D wood waste stream in the U.S. by utilizing a mass balance approach. A model was developed using wood treatment industry production statistics, estimated leaching rates of metal-based preservatives, and typical service lives of wood products. Outputs of the model indicate that the volumes of waterborne preservative treated wood disposed of may exceed 16 million m3 per year by 2030. The peak yearly metal mass disposed of corresponded to 18,400 metric tons for arsenic and 24,500 tons of chromium in 2013. Given the current trends in production, the mass of copper disposed of will increase to 20,900 tons by 2030. In order to meet regulatory guidelines regarding metals in recycled C&D wood, waterborne-preservative treated wood must be separated and removed. This separation mitigates environmental contamination from wood preservatives such as chromated copper arsenate (CCA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decommissioned chromate copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood poles were subjected to a microwave liquefaction process. The liquefied products were separated into cellulosic component, lignin fractions, and spent liquor. Analysis of the distribution of the CCA elements showed that the resulting cellulosic component and lignins were detoxified. Compared with the CCA-treated wood, the fractionated detoxified cellulosic component had become micro-sized and had a higher glucan content, crystallinity, and glucose conversion yield, as well as a larger surface area. Thus, the detoxified cellulosic component has potential as a raw material for biorefinery usage or for cellulosic material reinforced composite production. The constituents, such as glucose, xylose, glycerol, and their derivatives, as well as the metal elements in the spent liquor, are appropriate ingredients for the preparation of antifungal and insect resistant polyurethane foams. The fractionated detoxified cellulosic component and lignin products, in addition to the potential application for the spent liquor in the polyurethane industry, confirmed that the microwave liquefaction process coupled with a fractionation procedure is an environmentally conscious approach for the integrated utilization of decommissioned chromate copper arsenate treated wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disposal of eucalyptus poles used in the electricity network distribution is considered a potential contamination to the environment due to the chromated copper arsenate (CCA) used as a wood preservative. The thermochemical process can be an alternative to this toxic waste disposal. In this work, the slow pyrolysis of CCA-treated wood followed by the production and application of activated carbon was proposed. Metal retention (ICP-OES), concentration of non-condensable gases produced in the pyrolysis process (via GC), as well as the capacity of activated carbon on CO 2 adsorption (via TGA) were investigated. The highest formation rate of non-condensable gases was observed at 500 °C, while the maximum H 2 concentration was at 700 °C. The char obtained in the pyrolysis was chemically treated with H 3 PO 4 and activated in CO 2 flow. The pore size distribution of activated carbons showed pore sizes lower than 1 nm. The activated carbons showed a CO 2 adsorption capacity of 70–83 mg/g. The presence of chromium and copper may have influenced the CO 2 adsorption. The fast adsorption and desorption showed by the activated carbon produced from CCA-treated wood is interesting to systems that operate in short-time cycles, as pressure swing adsorption (PSA). The reuse of CCA-treated wood for activated carbon production and its application in the CO 2 adsorption could be a solution to minimize the environmental damage caused by this waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We showed that 2.1% of 233 pieces of lumber debris after the Great East Japan Earthquake was chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood. Since hexavalent chromium (Cr), copper (Cu) and pentavalent arsenic (As) in the debris may be diffused in the air via incineration, we exposed human lung normal (BEAS-2B) and carcinoma (A549) cells to Cr, Cu and As at the molar ratio in a representative CCA-treated wood. Co-exposure to 0.10 μM Cr and 0.06 μM As, which solely had no effect on colony formation, synergistically promoted colony formation in BEAS-2B cells, but not A549 cells, with activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Sole exposure and co-exposure to Cu showed limited effects. Since previous reports showed Cr and As concentrations to which human lungs might be exposed, our results suggest the importance to avoid diffusion of Cr and As in the air via incineration of debris including CCA-treated wood after the disaster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate characteristics of oxalic acid (OA) production and metal removal during degradation of CCA-treated wood in nutrient culture by brown-rot fungi. Two brown-rot fungi, Crustoderma sp. and Fomitopsis palustris extensively degraded the CCA-treated wood, causing mass losses (MLs) up to 49.0% and 43.5%, respectively, while these fungi produced OA during degradation up to 21.3 mg g-1 and 43.8 mg g-1, respectively. Antrodia vaillantii and Polyporales sp. produced OA up to 28.9 mg g-1 and 29.8 mg g-1, respectively, with <3% ML. Fomitopsis palustris with the highest OA production removed effectively 87.5% As and 86.0% Cr during degradation of the treated wood. Antrodia vaillantii and an unknown Polyporales sp. showed notable As removal rates of 90.3% and 88.9%, respectively, and 81.0-83.9% Cr removal. However, only moderate amounts of Cu (40.8%) were extracted by the fungi investigated. The conclusion is that OA production by brown-rot fungi can be partially associated with removal of Cr and As during fungal degradation of CCA-treated wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Recycling and reuse of waste from electricity networks is proposed. [•] The methodology for decontamination of CCA-treated wood is based on acid leaching. [•] The degradation of wood after acid leaching depends on H2SO4 concentration. [•] The use of organic and inorganic fillers for producing hybrid composites is proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recovery of metals from chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated southern pine wood particles was investigated by extraction in a microwave reactor with binary combinations of acetic acid (AA), oxalic acid (OxA), and phosphoric acid (PhA). Use of OxA was not successful, as insoluble copper oxalate complexes impeded copper removal. The combination of OxA and AA also had adverse effects on copper extraction. In contrast, the combination of AA and PhA enhanced the chromium recovery rate. The highest recovery rate of metals could be achieved with a mixture of 2.75% PhA and 0.5% AA at 130°C for 10 min in the microwave oven. The total recovery rate approached 100% for arsenic, 96.7% for chromium, and 98.6% for copper in a one-step process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the present study, wood vinegar was used to extract chromium, copper, and arsenic from chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood. The extraction efficiency for CCA elements was evaluated using various concentrations of wood vinegar, extraction temperatures, and extraction periods. The extraction efficiency for CCA elements increased with increasing the concentration of wood vinegar and the extraction conditions, resulting in maximal removal rate of copper (95.7%), followed by arsenic (92.7%) and chromium (86.3%). Since wood vinegar afforded high levels of copper extraction, its use was extended to copper-based preservative-treated wood, wherein significant extraction of copper up to 97.6% and 95.7% was obtained from alkaline copper quats (ACQ)- and copper azole (CuAz)-treated sawdust, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the application of wood vinegar for the extraction of metal elements from CCA-treated wood. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, chromated copper arsenate-treated wood (CCA-W) and alkaline copper quaternary compounds-treated wood (ACQ-W) were subjected to fast pyrolysis at 500°C for ca. 2s to produce bio-oil and char. The physicochemical properties of the pyrolytic products as well as the distribution of heavy metals – arsenic, copper and chrome – during fast pyrolysis were investigated. The water content, viscosity, pH and higher heating value (HHV) of bio-oil from CCA-W were 24.8wt%, 13.5cSt, 2.1 and 16MJ/kg, respectively, whereas those of bio-oil from ACQ-W were 27.9wt%, 16cSt, 3.0 and 14.1MJ/kg, respectively. The yields of bio-oil from CCA-W and ACQ-W were 43.3% and 46.6%, respectively, significantly lower than that of control (61.6%). In the pyrolytic products of CCA-W, the concentrations of arsenic, copper and chromium were determined to be 36.4wt%, 74.0wt% and 75.4wt% in char, respectively, 34.5wt%, 10.3wt% and 9.0wt% in bio-oil, respectively, and 29.0wt%, 15.7wt% and 15.5wt% in gas, respectively. In addition, most of the copper appeared in the char (98.8wt%) and only a trace amount of copper was detected in the bio-oil (0.2wt%) produced by ACQ-W. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As chromated copper arsenate (CCA) contains copper, chromium and arsenic, waste CCA-treated wood must be separated from other treated wood because of environmental pollution by chromium and arsenic when it is incinerated and the regulation. Therefore, a method to identify CCA-treated wood was developed using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Using the LIBS apparatus assembled in our laboratory, plasma on a wood surface was generated by a 4 ns pulse of 1064 nm (55 mJ/mm) emitted from Nd:YAG laser. Fluorescence from the plasma was collected by an ellipsoidal mirror and analyzed by a spectrometer in the range of 190-300 nm. The results showed that the 228.7 nm line from As and 267.6 nm line from Cr were useful for the identification of CCA-treated wood. As the discrimination capacity was confirmed by the elemental composition analysis by X-ray fluorescence, it was concluded that LIBS can specifically identify CCA-treated wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood was widely used until 2004 for residential and industrial applications. Since 2004, CCA was replaced by alternative copper preservatives such as alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), copper azole (CA) and micronized copper quaternary (MCQ), for residential applications due to health concerns. Treated wood waste disposal is becoming an issue. Previous studies identified a chemical process for decontaminating CCA-treated wood waste based on sulfuric acid leaching. The potential application of this process to wood treated with the copper-based preservatives (alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), copper azole (CA) and micronized copper quaternary (MCQ)) is investigated here. Three consecutive leaching steps with 0.1M sulfuric acid at 75°C for 2h were successful for all the types of treated wood and achieved more than 98% copper solubilisation. The different acidic leachates produced were successively treated by coagulation using ferric chloride and precipitation (pH=7) using sodium hydroxide. Between 94 and 99% of copper in leachates could be recovered by electrodeposition after 90min using 2A electrical current. Thus, the process previously developed for CCA-treated wood waste decontamination could be efficiently applied for CA-, ACQ- or MCQ-treated wood. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the biodegradable chelating agents S,S-ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (SS-EDDS) and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) as potential alternatives and compare them with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for effectiveness. Extraction of heavy metals from chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood with EDDS, NTA, or EDTA solvent was evaluated at various solvent pH levels and stoichiometric ratios. Based on the present data, the recommended extraction conditions are pH 4.0 and EDDS–CCA stoichiometric ratios of 10. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Laboratory column leaching experiments were conducted to investigate the transport and interaction of As, Cr, and Cu associated with CCA-treated wood in sand with and without peat amendment. Results showed that leaching behavior of As, Cr, and Cu in these substrates were totally different. Substrate characteristics and microorganism activity posed distinct effects on the transport and transformation of these three elements. Arsenic was rapidly leached out from the columns with or without the amendment of peat, while Cr remained in all columns during the entire experimental period (215d). Copper was leached out only in the substrate column without peat. The presence of microorganism clearly facilitated the transport of As, while it did not show obvious effects on the transport of Cr and Cu. Interactions among these three elements were observed during the processes of adsorption and transport. The adsorption of Cu on soil was enhanced with the adsorption of As, likely caused by a more negatively charged soil surface because of As adsorption. The adsorption of Cr on soil increased the adsorption of As due to the additional As binding sites induced by Cr adsorption. These results suggest that As concentrations in the soil affected by CCA-treated wood could largely exceed predictions based on soil adsorption capacity for As. The evaluation of the impact on human health associated with CCA-treated wood should take consideration of the distinct transport characteristics of three elements and their interactions in soils. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to selectively remove chromium and copper from CCA-treated wood acid leachates (initial concentrations of 447–651mg As l−1, 374–453mg Cu l−1 and 335–622mg Cr l−1) using ion exchange resins and precipitation techniques. Batch experiments revealed that the chelating resin Dowex M4195 had a high copper selectivity in the presence of chromium while the Amberlite IR120 resin had a high chromium sorption capacity. Combining M4195 and IR120 resins in four successive columns, made with Plexiglas tube, led to 96% copper extraction and 68% chromium extraction. NH4OH (4M) efficiently eluted copper from the chelating resin while H2SO4 (10%v/v) was used for IR120 resin elution. Copper and chromium recovery by elution reached 94% and 81%, respectively. Successive sorption and elution steps using M4195 and IR120 ion exchange resins presented similar metal removal capacities over the five cycles. No resin deterioration was observed but the results suggested arsenic bulk diffusion into the M4195 resin. Successive treatments of CCA-treated wood leachate with M4195 and IR120 allowed for copper and chromium removal while arsenic could be extracted by coagulation treatment with ferric chloride and precipitation with Ca(OH)2 at pH 5.7. This final process led to 99.9% arsenic removal. The final effluent contained less than 1mgl−1 of arsenic, chromium and copper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Increasing volumes of discarded Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA)-treated wood require the development of new treatment and recycling options to avoid the accumulation of wood wastes in landfill sites, resulting in dispersion of contaminants in the environment. The aim of this study is to design an economic chemical leaching process for the extraction of arsenic, chromium and copper from CCA-treated wood. Choice of chemical reagent, reagent concentration, solid-to-liquid ratio, temperature, reaction time and wood particle size are parameters which have been optimized. Sulphuric acid was found to be the cheapest and most effective reagent. Optimum operation conditions are 75°C with 0.2N H2SO4 and 150g wood L−1. Under these conditions, three leaching steps lasting 2h each allowed for 99% extraction of arsenic and copper, and 91% extraction of chromium. Furthermore, arsenic concentration in TCLP leachate is reduced by 86% so the environmental hazard is reduced. Decontamination process cost is estimated to 115US$ per ton of treated wood. These results demonstrate the feasibility of chemical remediation and that sulphuric acid leaching is a promising option for CCA-treated wood waste management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood was liquefied with polyethylene glycol/glycerin and sulfuric acid. After liquefaction, most CCA metals (98% As, 92% Cr, and 83% Cu) were removed from liquefied CCA-treated wood by precipitation with calcium hydroxide. The original CCA-treated wood and liquefied CCA-treated wood sludge were fractionated by a modified Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction procedure. The purpose of the BCR-sequential extraction used in this study was to examine the availability of CCA metals in treated wood for reuse. Both As and Cr had a slightly higher concentration in the sludge sample than in original CCA-treated wood. The sequential extraction showed that As and Cr were principally existed in an oxidizable fraction (As, 67%; Cr, 88%) in original CCA-treated wood. Only 1% of both As and Cr were extracted by hot nitric acid with the last extraction step. The distribution of As and Cr changed markedly in liquefied CCA-treated wood sludge. The amount of As in the exchangeable/acid extractable fraction increased from 16% to 85% while the amount of Cr increased from 3% to 54%. Only about 3% of As was present in the oxidizable fraction. However, there was still about 34% of Cr in the same fraction. Based on these results from sequential extraction procedures, it can be concluded that the accessibilities of CCA metals increase markedly by the liquefaction–precipitation process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bioremediation of CCA-treated wood wastes by brown rot fungi, as well as to improve the metal removal from treated wood by altering an existing bioremediation process. In Process I, CCA-treated wood sawdust was added and bioremediated after accumulating oxalic acid in a fermentation broth. In Process II, simplification of the bioremediation process and improvement of metal removal efficiency were attempted. Thus, the treated sawdust and fungal inocula were simultaneously placed in a fermentation broth. In addition, the efficiency of the fermentation broth containing oxalic acid was compared with that of commercial oxalic acid. The results obtained using Process I showed that the greatest reduction in arsenic and chromium (98% and 91%, respectively) was achieved by an unknown Polyporales species. On the other hand, the most efficient removal of copper (82%) was achieved by Daedalea dickinsii, which had the lowest oxalic acid production. Using Process II, the highest copper, chromium and arsenic removal rates (96%, 92% and 98%, respectively) were obtained by Fomitopsis palustris. Process II could be a very valuable method for metal removal from CCA-treated wood when F. palustris is used. Our results also suggest that oxalic acid produced from fungus can be used as an alternative to commercial oxalic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This research explores different ways of recovering metals (As, Cr and Cu) and treating leachates from an acid leaching process used for the decontamination of chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood. Total precipitation at pH=7 with ferric chloride and an anionic polymer (Magnafloc 10), leads to 99% removal of the three metals from the leachate. Copper electrodeposition is very efficient with more than 99% of copper recovery, while arsenic was observed as a disruption in the process of copper deposition. Arsenic and copper are able to deposit as Cu3As while applying an electrical current. In order to remove arsenic in the leachate prior to electrochemical treatment, coagulation at pH=4 was tested, followed by pH readjustment and electrodeposition. This process produces a good quality of elemental copper by electrodeposition (+99% pure copper), whereas 99% of arsenic and 88% of chromium are concentrated in the metallic sludge resulting from the coagulation–precipitation treatment. These results show that these two techniques are promising for the management of CCA leachate, one being very simple as it consists of only one precipitation step, the other one allowing recycling of valuable copper via electrochemical treatment. Operation costs have been estimated at 92 $/ton of treated wood (t.t.w.) undergoing leaching treatment followed by precipitation with sodium hydroxide at pH=7. Acid leaching followed by precipitation at pH=4 and electrolytic deposition costs 110 $/t.t.w. with copper sale revenue of 15 $/t.t.w. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The disposal of wood waste treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is a problem in many countries. We have proposed a novel chelating extraction technique for CCA-treated wood using bioxalate, a solution of oxalic acid containing sufficient sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH to 3.2, which is an effective way to obtain an extraction efficiency of 90% for chromium, copper, and arsenic. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the characteristics of bioxalate extraction of CCA-treated wood. Extractions of CCA-treated western hemlock chips with solutions of bioxalate, oxalic acid, and sodium hydroxide were carried out. The use of bioxalate was confirmed as the most effective extraction technique for chromium, copper and arsenic, with an efficiency of 90%. Extraction with simple oxalic acid was ineffective for copper (less than 40% extraction efficiency), but effective for chromium and arsenic, with 90% efficiency. Sodium hydroxide showed a similar tendency, being ineffective for chromium and copper (less than 20% extraction efficiency), but relatively effective for arsenic (around 70–80% efficiency). We also discovered an interesting phenomenon whereby the addition of sodium hydroxide to a simple oxalic acid solution during the oxalic acid extraction progress resulted in dramatically increased extraction efficiency for copper, chromium and arsenic, up to 90%. Although oxalic acid was ineffective for copper extraction, the addition of sodium hydroxide during the oxalic acid extraction process rendered it effective. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lumber treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) has been used in residential outdoor wood structures and playgrounds. The U.S. EPA has conducted a probabilistic assessment of children''s exposure to arsenic from CCA-treated structures using the Stochastic Human Exposure and Dose Simulation model for the wood preservative scenario (SHEDS-Wood). The EPA assessment relied on data from an experimental study using adult volunteers and designed to measure arsenic in maximum hand and wipe loadings. Analyses using arsenic handloading data from a study of children playing on CCA-treated play structures in Edmonton, Canada, indicate that the maximum handloading values significantly overestimate the exposure that occurs during actual play. The objective of our paper is to assess whether the dislodgeable arsenic residues from structures in the Edmonton study are comparable to those observed in other studies and whether they support the conclusion that the values derived by EPA using modeled maximum loading values overestimate hand exposures. We compared dislodgeable arsenic residue data from structures in the playgrounds in the Edmonton study to levels observed in studies used in EPA''s assessment. Our analysis showed that the dislodgeable arsenic levels in the Edmonton playground structures are similar to those in the studies used by EPA. Hence, the exposure estimates derived using the handloading data from children playing on CCA-treated structures are more representative of children''s actual exposures than the overestimates derived by EPA using modeled maximum values. Handloading data from children playing on CCA-treated structures should be used to reduce the uncertainty of modeled estimates derived using the SHEDS-Wood model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The pyrolysis process of chromated copper arsenate-treated wood impregnated with phosphoric acid (2–6wt.%) has been investigated using a Kugelrohr short-path distillation apparatus. The presence of phosphoric acid is shown to change the overall pyrolysis kinetics and yields of products resulting in a decrease in the amount of volatile products and an increase in the char formation. The yield of levoglucosan was found to decrease in the presence of relatively higher concentrations of phosphoric acid, while the yield of levoglucosenone increased. The pyrolysis of chromated copper arsenate-treated wood in the presence of phosphoric acid gave rise to 22% (on water-free tar basis) levoglucosenone. Such data demonstrates the potential for a new pathway toward the rational utilization of chromated copper arsenate-treated wood waste. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The world of children can involve exposure to many hazards, including toxic chemicals found in the environment. Arsenic is one of those chemicals. Sources of such exposure include food, soil, water, and air. However, touching chromated copper arsenate (CCA)–treated wooden structures or the soil surrounding them and then putting a finger in the mouth can raise a child''s risk of arsenic poisoning. Nurse practitioners who provide routine care for children are in a position to assess their young patients for arsenic exposure and to initiate prevention strategies to protect children from exposure to this toxin. If the nurse practitioner suspects arsenic exposure or poisoning, she or he should contact the National Poison Control Directory or consult the web page for state-by-state poison control centers to determine a plan for treatment or referral. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The work reported here investigated the fungal community inhabiting from the CCA-treated radiata pine board stored at the yard of a commercial treatment plant in Incheon, Korea. From five treated boards, 22 fungal species were isolated and then characterized using both traditional morphology and molecular identification. The species identified included 16 ascomycetes and six basidiomycetes. Ascomycetous fungi predominated over basidiomycetous fungi in the surface area of the CCA-treated board and comprised nearly 90% of all isolates. Among all the isolates, five microfungi, Phoma herbarum, Phoma glomerata, Cladosporium oxysporum, Penicillium stoloniferum, and Cladosporium sphaerospermum, were the dominant species. These species could be candidate ‘tolerant and potential staining’ species that colonize, stain and/or degrade CCA-treated radiata pine board. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present paper describes a novel extractant for chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated western hemlock ( Tsuga heterophylla). Because the disposal of CCA-treated waste wood is becoming a serious problem in many countries, it is necessary to develop proper remediation technique. Extraction of CCA-treated wood with bioxalate (BO) solvent was evaluated at various solvent pH levels, BO concentrations, extraction temperatures, and liquid-to-solid ratios, as well as with different alkaline metal hydroxides as pH-adjusting reagents. It was clarified that approximately 90% of the chromium, copper or arsenic could be extracted effectively under particular pH conditions (2.2–3.2). Extraction efficiency was also improved by increasing solvent concentration from 0.0125 M to 0.125 M. In addition, increasing BO solution temperature from 25 to 75°C promoted the extraction of chromium and arsenic; however, that of copper was higher than these metals, irrespective of temperature. The optimum conditions for extraction of chromium, copper, and arsenic from treated wood using BO solution were determined to be as follows: pH of 2.2–3.2, solvent concentration of 0.065–0.125 M, solvent temperature of 75°C, and solvent to CCA-treated wood mixture ratio of 20:1 (mL:g). Under these conditions, the extraction efficiencies for chromium, copper, and arsenic were maximized at 89.4, 88.2, and 94.1%, respectively, thus demonstrating the applicability of BO chelation for the remediation of metal contaminated solid waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background exposures provide perspective for interpreting calculated health risks associated with naturally occurring substances such as arsenic. Background inorganic arsenic intake from diet and water for children (ages 1–6 years) and all ages of the U.S. population was modeled stochastically using consumption data from USDA, published data on inorganic arsenic in foods, and EPA data on arsenic in drinking water. Mean and 90th percentile intakes for the U.S. population were 5.6 and 10.5μg/day, assuming nationwide compliance with the 10μg/L U.S. drinking water standard. Intakes for children were slightly lower (3.5 and 5.9μg/day). Based on the current EPA cancer slope factor for arsenic, estimated lifetime risks associated with background diet and water at the mean and 90th percentile are 1 per 10,000 and 2 per 10,000, respectively. By comparison, reasonable maximum risks for arsenic in soil at 20 (higher typical background level) and 100mg/kg are 4 per 100,000 and 2 per 10,000, using EPA default exposure assumptions. EPA reasonable maximum estimates of arsenic exposure from residential use of treated wood are likewise within background intakes. These examples provide context on how predicted risks compare to typical exposures within the U.S. population, thereby providing perspective for risk communication and regulatory decision-making on arsenic in the environment and in consumer products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A one-dimensional model is developed for simulating the electrodialytic and dialytic treatment of a saturated bed of wood chips containing chromium, copper and arsenic. The movement of Cr, Cu and As is mathematically modeled taking into account the diffusion transport resulting from the concentration gradients of their compounds and the electromigration of their ionic, simple and complex species during the operation. The model also includes the electromigration of the non-contaminant principal ionic species in the system, H+ and OH−, proceeding from the electrolysis at the electrodes, Na+ and used as electrolyte solutions in the electrode compartments, and oxalate ions and protons incorporated with the oxalic acid solution during wood chips incubation. The model simulation also takes into account that OH− generated on the cathode, during electrodialytic remediation, is periodically neutralized by addition of nitric acid in the cathode compartment. The anion and cation-exchange membranes are simply represented as ionic filters that preclude the transport of co-ions (the cations and anions respectively) with the exception of H+, which is retarded but considered to pass through the anion-exchange membrane. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The proper end-of-life management of chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood, which contains arsenic, copper, and chromium, is a concern to the solid waste management community. Landfills are often the final repository of this waste stream, and the impacts of CCA preservative metals on leachate quality are not well understood. Monofills are a type of landfill designed and operated to dispose a single waste type, such as ash, tires, mining waste, or wood. The feasibility of managing CCA-treated wood in monofills was examined using a simulated landfill (a leaching lysimeter) that contained a mix of new and weathered CCA-treated wood. The liquid to solid ratio (LS) reached in the experiment was 0.63:1. Arsenic, chromium, and copper leached from the lysimeter at average concentrations of 42mg/L for arsenic, 9.4mg/L for chromium, and 2.4mg/L for copper. Complementary batch leaching studies using deionized water were performed on similar CCA-treated wood samples at LS of 5:1 and 10:1. When results from the lysimeter were compared to the batch test results, copper and chromium leachability appeared to be reduced in the lysimeter disposal environment. Of the three metals, arsenic leached to the greatest extent and was found to have the best correlation between the batch and the lysimeter experiments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A laboratory study was conducted to investigate metal transport and accumulation within soils contaminated with As, Cr, and Cu from CCA-treated wood leachates. New blocks of CCA-treated wood were leached using synthetic rainwater. Soil columns were constructed and filled with three different soils, including a sandy soil, an organic soil and a clay soil. The leachate was applied intermittently until 80 pore volumes were eluted through each column. Metal concentrations (Cu, Cr, and As) were measured in the leachate before passage through the columns as well as in each elutriate fraction collected. Chemical analysis was complemented with toxicity testing using Ceriodaphnia dubia, Selenastrum capricornutum , and MetPLATE™. Following application of 80 pore volumes of leachate, the columns were dissected and the profile of the metal concentrations within each column was determined. A comparison of the arsenic, chromium and copper leaching patterns found arsenic to be the most mobile, with copper the most retained in the soil columns (As > Cr > Cu). Transport patterns of As differed in the three soil types, with observed mobility highest in the sandy soil and lowest in the clay soil. The three metals accumulated in the top layer of soil. Arsenic posed the greatest risk when soil concentrations were compared to risk-based target levels. Although metals were detected in soil elutriates, no toxicity was detected in any of the soil column elutriates using any of the three toxicity assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to evaluate the potential of electrokinetic metal extraction for removing Cu, Cr, and As from CCA-treated wood. Wood chips produced from new, unweathered, CCA-treated lumber were tested in a bench-scale electrokinetic system with two separate electrode compartments and a treatment compartment. Also investigated was the selection of metal extracting reagents for enhancing electrokinetic extraction efficiency. Extraction reagents tested in this study included oxalic acid, citric acid, EDTA, and ascorbic acid. Oxalic acid appeared to be most effective for extracting chromium and arsenic, while EDTA is the most effective reagent for copper extraction. Further testing using acid mixtures showed that EDTA mixed with oxalic acid achieved excellent extraction efficiencies for copper and arsenic. An electrokinetic extraction test, enhanced with the use of EDTA/oxalic acid mixture, removed 74% of Cr, 97% of Cu, and 88% of As from CCA-treated wood chips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: When chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood is removed from service and turns into waste, the contents of Cu, Cr and As remain high due to the strong fixation of CCA in the wood. This high content of toxic compounds presents a disposal challenge. Incineration of CCA-treated waste wood is not allowed in Denmark; instead, the wood is to be land-filled until new methods for handling the wood are available. Since the amounts of CCA-treated wood being removed from service is expected to increase in the years to come, the need for finding alternative handling methods is very relevant. In this study, the usefulness of Electrodialytic Remediation was demonstrated for handling of CCA-treated waste wood in pilot scale. The electrodialytic remediation method, which uses a low-level direct current (DC) as the cleaning agent, combines electrokinetic movement of ions in the wood matrix with the principles of electrodialysis. It has previously been shown that it is possible to remove Cu, Cr and As from CCA-treated wood using electrodialytic remediation in laboratory scale, but until now, the method had not been studied in large scale. The pilot-scale plant used in this study was designed to contain up to 2 m3 wood chips. Six remediation experiments were carried out. In these experiments, the process was up-scaled stepwise by increasing the distance between the electrodes from initially 60 cm to finally 150 cm. The remediation time was varied between 11 and 21 days, and phosphoric acid and/or oxalic acid was used to facilitate the desorption of CCA from the wood. In the most successful of the experiments carried out, the concentration of CCA in the wood was reduced by up to 82% for Cr, 88% for Cu and at least 96% for As. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Leaching of arsenic, chromium, and copper from chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood poses possible environmental risk when disposed. Samples of un-weathered CCA-treated wood were tested using a variety of the US regulatory leaching procedures, including the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP), synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP), extraction procedure toxicity method (EPTOX), waste extraction test (WET), multiple extraction procedure (MEP), and modifications of these procedures which utilized actual MSW landfill leachates, a construction and demolition (C&D) debris leachate, and a concrete enhanced leachate. Additional experiments were conducted to assess factors affecting leaching, such as particle size, pH, and leaching contact time. Results from the regulatory leaching tests provided similar results with the exception of the WET, which extracted greater quantities of metals. Experiments conducted using actual MSW leachate, C&D debris leachate, and concrete enhanced leachate provided results that were within the same order of magnitude as results obtained from TCLP, SPLP, and EPTOX. Eleven of 13 samples of CCA-treated dimensional lumber exceeded the US EPA’s toxicity characteristic (TC) threshold for arsenic (5mg/L). If un-weathered arsenic-treated wood were not otherwise excluded from the definition of hazardous waste, it frequently would require management as such. When extracted with simulated rainwater (SPLP), 9 of the 13 samples leached arsenic at concentrations above 5mg/L. Metal leachability tended to increase with decreasing particle size and at pH extremes. All three metals leached above the drinking water standards thus possibly posing a potential risk to groundwater. Arsenic is a major concern from a disposal point of view with respect to ground water quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The behavior of arsenic during pyrolysis at temperatures between 135 and 500 °C has been widely studied. We examined the release of arsenic during the pyrolysis of chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood, and here we propose two models for the volatilization of arsenic: (a) a reacted arsenic compound, chromium arsenate, in CCA-treated wood was initially decomposed to arsenic pentoxide, which then appeared to be released at around 400–500 °C as a form of arsenic trioxide; and (b) an unreacted arsenic compound, arsenic pentoxide, in CCA-treated wood was released at much lower temperatures than reacted arsenic compound, as a form of arsenic trioxide. In order to restrain the release of arsenic during pyrolysis, it is possible to pyrolyze CCA-treated wood carefully at temperatures around 300–350 °C only if the wood contains little unreacted arsenic compound. Under these conditions, almost all toxic elements remain in the pyrolysis residue, and a weight reduction of the wood of approximately 50% can be obtained. On the other hand, the release of arsenic can be achieved easily using an unreacted arsenic compound under the same pyrolysis conditions. However, in the present study it was difficult to determine the accurate release point of arsenic in both cases due to the level of experimental uncertainty. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Solvent extraction was conducted to investigate the behavior of toxic metals in chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood and its pyrolysis residue. Four kinds of solvents, along with sulfuric and phosphoric acid as mineral agents, and citric and oxalic acid as complexing agents, were used. The CCA elements from the wood treated without pyrolysis were easily extracted. However, only a small amount of CCA elements were extracted from the pyrolyzed residue, even under very low pH conditions. The toxic elements in the pyrolyzed wood showed high stabilization against the solvent extraction. Pyrolysis strongly immobilized the toxic elements in the residue. Therefore, pyrolysis is not suitable as a pretreatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The production of landscape mulch is a major market for the recycling of yard trash and waste wood. When wood recovered from construction and demolition (C&D) debris is used as mulch, it sometimes contains chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood. The presence of CCA-treated wood may cause some potential environmental problems as a result of the chromium, copper, and arsenic present. Research was performed to examine the leachability of the three metals from a variety of processed wood mixtures in Florida. The mixtures tested included mixed wood from C&D debris recycling facilities and mulch purchased from retail outlets. The synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP) was performed to examine the leaching of chromium, copper and arsenic. Results were compared to Florida''s groundwater cleanup target levels (GWCTLs). Eighteen of the 22 samples collected from C&D debris processing facilities leached arsenic at concentrations greater than Florida''s GWCTL of 50 μg/l. The mean leachable arsenic concentration for the C&D debris samples was 153 μg/l with a maximum of 558 μg/l. One of the colored mulch samples purchased from a retail outlet leached arsenic above 50 μg/l, while purchased mulch samples derived from virgin materials did not leach detectable arsenic (<5 μg/l). A mass balance approach was used to compute the potential metal concentrations (mg/kg) that would result from CCA-treated wood being present in wood mulch. Less than 0.1% CCA-treated wood would cause a mulch to exceed Florida''s residential clean soil guideline for arsenic (0.8 mg/kg). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A critical review finds government agencies allow, permit, license, or ignore arsenic releases to surface soils. Release rates are controlled or evaluated using risk-based soil contaminant numerical limits employing standardized risk algorithms, chemicalspecific and default input values. United States arsenic residential soil limits, 0.4–40 ppm, generally correspond to a one-in-one-million to a one-in-ten-thousand incremental cancer risk range viaingestion of or direct contact with contaminated residential soils. Background arsenic surface soil levels often exceed applicable limits. Arsenic releases to surface soils (via, e.g., air emissions, waste recycling, soil amendments, direct pesticide application, and chromated copper arsenic (CCA)-treated wood) can result in greatly elevated arsenic levels, sometimes one to two orders of magnitude greater than applicable numerical limits. CCA-treated wood, a heavily used infrastructure material at residences and public spaces, can release sufficient arsenic to result in surface soil concentrations that exceed numerical limits by one or two orders of magnitude. Although significant exceedence of arsenic surface soil numerical limits would normally result in regulatory actions at industrial or hazardous waste sites, no such pattern is seen at residential and public spaces. Given the current risk assessment paradigm, measured or expected elevated surface soil arsenic levels at residential and public spaces suggest that a regulatory health crisis of sizeable magnitude is imminent. In contrast, available literature and a survey of government agencies conducted for this paper finds no verified cases of human morbidity or mortality resulting from exposure to elevated levels of arsenic in surface soils. This concomitance of an emerging regulatory health crisis in the absence of a medical crisis is arguably partly attributable to inadequate government and private party attention to the issue. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Pressure treatment with chromium, copper, and arsenic (CCA) is the most prevalent method for protecting wood used in outdoor construction projects. Although these metals are tightly bound to the wood fibers and are not released under most conditions of use, we examined the bioavailability of metals in CCA pressure-treated wood dust in vitro. Cytotoxicity and metallothionein (MT) mRNA expression were examined in V79 Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells incubated with respirable-size wood dust generated by sanding CCA-treated and untreated (control) Southern yellow pine. In colony survival studies, increased cytotoxicity (p < 0.05) occurred in V79 cells treated with CCA wood dust (351 ± 77 μg/ml, mean ± SE) compared with control wood dust (883 ± 91 μg/ml). Increased cytotoxicity with CCA wood dust also occurred in an arsenic resistant subline of V79 cells, thus suggesting that arsenic was not responsible for the increased cytotoxicity. Metallothionein mRNA was significantly increased after 48 h of treatment with CCA wood dust compared with control wood dust. Incubation of CCA wood dust in cell culture media resulted in the transfer of copper, but not chromium or arsenic, into the media. Moreover, the treatment of cells with this filtered extract resulted in significantly increased metallothionein mRNA, suggesting that bioavailable copper is responsible for inducing metallothionein mRNA in V79 cells. Thus, these bioassays suggest that metals become bioavailable during in vitro culture of phagocytic V79 cells with CCA wood dust. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Limited information is available about the ultimate fate of chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood waste upon disposal. This lack of information, coupled with concerns over potential environmental impacts, has prompted the current investigation, which focuses on establishing an inventory for this waste stream and identifying alternatives to current disposal practices. The state of Florida (USA) was utilized as a case study for this investigation. The results indicate that approximately 300 metric tonnes of the chemical were disposed of in Florida during 1996. By the year 2006 this figure will quadruple and by 2016 it will reach a value of 2700 metric tonnes. The majority of CCA-treated wood waste is processed through construction and demolition recycling facilities, resulting in a wood waste composition containing on average 6% CCA-treated wood. The primary market for wood waste in Florida is energy recovery and, as a consequence, the majority of CCA-treated wood waste is inadvertently burned for energy recovery purposes. Recommendations for handling this waste stream are discussed. Recommendations include options for waste minimization, reuse, recycling, and ultimate disposal. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]