Content of elements in contemporary and archaeological wood as a marker of possible change in physico-chemical parameters.

• A full understanding of the role of elements in wood degradation was analysed. • The physic-chemical parameters of archaeological wood are closely related to the elements. • There is a difference in the tendency of wood of different species to collect elements. • Many elements affect quantity and quality of cellulose of archaeological wood. The contents of 47 major and trace elements and 6 wood physico-chemical parameters were determined in contemporary and archaeological fir (Abies alba Mill.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), oak (Quercus sp.), and elm (Ulmus sp.), to determine their mutual relations. The concentration of elements in soil and wood samples was determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP MS) and the obtained results were interpreted based on statistical analyses (t -test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD). Identification of wood physico-chemical parameters included detection of conventional density, content of cellulose, lignin and ash, identification of cellulose molecular weight, and content of lignin metoxyl groups was also performed. Mean content of As, B, Ca, Cu, and Sr in urban soils, where archaeological wood samples were found was higher than in forest soils where contemporary samples were collected, while for Cd, Co, Mn, Na, V, and Zn there were no significant differences between their mean concentration in urban and forest soil. Higher contents of elements were recorded for all investigated archaeological woods. There is a difference in the tendency of wood of different species to collect elements. Moreover both the quantity and quality of archaeological wood cellulose is related to the content of As, DMA, B, Ca, Ce, Co, Cu, Na, Nb, Se, Sr and V. It is clear that in archaeological wood the relationship between a chemical element and a physico-chemical parameter is stronger than in contemporary wood. A full understanding of the role of elements, particularly of non-biodegradable and environmentally harmful heavy metals in wood degradation, will allow for a better choice of methods for the appropriate protection of archaeological wooden objects. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]