Certification of the mass fractions of trace elements and pentachlorophenol in an impregnated wood reference material

Abstract

The resource-saving utilisation of recovered waste wood is a matter of growing concern. In several European countries, this utilisation is governed by regulations and is dependent on the contents of certain trace elements and organic compounds. Thus, for decision-making with respect to waste wood management (recycling or combustion), reliable analytical data are needed and, due to their great economic and environmental impact, must be assured by appropriate quality control. To support the improvement in quality assurance in waste wood analysis, for the first time, a wood reference material was certified for its mass fractions of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, and pentachlorophenol (PCP). These analytes were selected because they represent typical constituents of wood preservatives most widely used in the past. Material preparation and testing of homogeneity and stability were carried out by BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing. The certification measurements were performed involving selected laboratories with documented expertise in the field of waste wood analysis. The certified values and their corresponding uncertainties were assigned in full compliance with the requirements of ISO Guide 35. The certified mass fractions and their expanded uncertainties (k = 2) are as follows: (3.1 ± 0.5) mg/kg for As, (3.02 ± 0.24) mg/kg for Cd, (36.4 ± 2.6) mg/kg for Cr, (22.9 ± 1.7) mg/kg for Cu, (0.60 ± 0.14) mg/kg for Hg, (39 ± 4) mg/kg for Pb, and (7.9 ± 0.6) mg/kg for PCP. The certified material is available as European Reference Material ERM®-CD100.