Changes in metal concentrations during dry- and wet-storage of Norway spruce pulpwood

The changes in concentrations and radial distribution of Ca, Fe and Mn in Norway spruce (Picea abies) pulpwood after three months of storage were evaluated. Three different storage alternatives were tested: dry storage, sprinkling with an intensity corresponding to the rate of evaporation and sprinkling with an intensity corresponding to twice the rate of the evaporation. The analyses were performed using energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). In the dry-stored logs, the AAS analyses revealed a tendency for decreased concentrations of Ca and Fe after three months storage. The tendency in the sprinkled logs was, according to the AAS analyses, a small increase in Ca and Mn contents after three months storage. The EDXRF analyses indicated that the radial distribution of Ca and Mn might have been affected during storage.