Microbeam X-ray fluorescence, in combination with imaging techniques, has b
een used to visualize the morphological distribution of various metal ions
in spruce wood sections. By treating the analyzed wood samples with differe
nt chemical solutions and observing the extractability and dislocations of
the metals it was also possible to draw some conclusions about their chemic
al attachments. The majority of the metals seem to be attached to the carbo
xyl groups of hemicelluloses and pectins, whereas iron appears to be locate
d to a large extent in acid-insoluble precipitates.