Extraction of chromated copper arsenate from wood wastes using green solvent supercritical carbon dioxide

To provide a green method to remove chromated copper arsenate (CCA) in the wood before its dumping, incineration, reuse or disposal, extraction of CCA from wood wastes using supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) containing an organophosphorus reagent, Cyanex 302, was investigated. The majority of copper metal was removed using Cyanex 302 in supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). The order of extraction efficiency was found to be Cu ≫ As > Cr. Factors that affected SFE efficiencies, such as matrices, oxidation state of metal species [Cr(III), Cr(VI), As(III), and As(V)], and SFE pressure, were studied. Using this in situ chelation/SFE technique to remove leachable metals from the CCA-treated wood was found to significantly reduce the risk of leaching metals into the environment during storage, or waste disposal.