Mobility and bioavailability of wood preservation chemicals in soil - actual field measurements

IRG/WP 98-50101-11

S Andersen, G Rasmussen

Wood material intended for outdoor use is often impregnated with chemicals to withstand attack from fungi and bacteria. Both inorganic and organic substances are used to protect the wood, and they are used in a toxic and bioavailable form. At wood preservation facilities severe soil contamination can be encountered due to spills and deposition of sludge, especially at old sites. Two sites, one where creosote and one where CCA (copper, chromium, arsenic) were applied, were examined for toxicity and mobility of contaminants. Both the soil (solid phase) and soil-water (aqueous phase) were investigated with Microtox - Vibrio fischeri - inhibition of luminescence test. At both sites significant differences were observed between the solid and aqueous phase. Soil toxicity was generally related to degree of contamination, whereas soil-water toxicity was related to soluble compounds in the wood preservation chemicals. The toxic soluble compounds were also found to migrate from the sites.


Keywords: BIOAVAILABILITY; CCA; SPILL; SLUDGE; CREOSOTE; MICROTOX; WATER TOXICITY

Conference: 98-02-02/03 Cannes-Mandelieu, France


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