Pyrolysis and smoke formation of grey alder wood depending on the storage time and the content of extractives

Grey alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench.) wood is often used in the Baltic countries for the production of curing smoke. Unfortunately, the smoke contains an elevated concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The effect of the content of wood extractives and the wood storage time after felling on the formation of benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P), flavouring compounds and antioxidants was studied. Storage time demonstrated a considerable effect on the overall increase of the B(a)P formation. The extraction (elimination) of extractives did not show any definite coherency with the concentration of B(a)P in smoke primary condensates, which was within the range from 1.1 to 8.7 μg/kg. Storage time and the elimination of extractives increased the yields of both 2-hydroxyacetaldehyde and 1,6-anhydro-β,D-glucopyranose (levoglucosan) from 1.8 to 10 times during the pyrolysis process and smouldering. It is interesting that the intensified formation of both substances takes place simultaneously, which commonly does not occur. Nevertheless, the prolonged storage time and the elimination of extractives do not substantially improve the quality of smoke and its condensates.