Spatial distribution of metal ions in spruce wood by synchrotron radiationmicrobeam X-ray fluorescence analysis

The possibility of using synchrotron radiation microbeam X-ray fluorescence (mu-XRF) for the determination of the morphological distribution of inorga nic elements in wood has been investigated. A number of samples were analyz ed and some of the results are presented in this paper. The new application of the method showed good results and it was concluded that the technique is useful for specific ipl situ metal ion analysis of wood. One of its spec ial advantages is that it is a non-destructive method, which may allow anal ysis of the same sample before and after a chemical treatment. This study s hows the natural distribution of a selection of metal ions in wood. Some di fferences in the distribution and amount of certain metals could also be ob served in a sample that had been subjected to treatment with an EDTA-soluti on.