Chromated Copper Arsenate (Cca) Treated Wood: Destination Options for Wastes Generated and Perspectives in the Development of Methodologies for Toxic Elements Removal

Abstract

The wood has been used for various functions, one of them is the manufacture of poles for electrification and telephony. However, this material has a big propensity to deteriorate. To increase its durability, some alternatives are employed, one of them is the incorporation of toxic substances (preservatives) to protect the wood from agents such as fungi, bacteria and xylophagous insects that cause its decay. Currently, the preservative chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is the most widely used for this purpose. However, when the CCA treated wood poles reach the end of their useful life, they become hazardous waste due to the presence of chromium and arsenic. In this work are presented the main methodologies for treatment, destination options and adequate disposal of these wastes, as well as different methods for toxic elements removal from the CCA-treated wood.