Determination of the content of selected elements in medieval waterlogged oak wood from the Lednica Lake—a case study

Abstract

The content of selected elements: Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Si, Ti, V and Zn was determined in archaeological waterlogged oak wood from the Lednica Lake by using the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method. The concentration of metals (especially heavy metals) in wood is typically specified to characterise this material and evaluate the possibility to use it for industrial purposes. In case of waterlogged archaeological wood intended for further research on new methods of conservation, such an analysis is important for other reasons. As it has been confirmed by numerous conservators and researchers, the presence of metal compounds is a serious problem not only due to their destructive influence on wood tissue but also from a conservation/re-conservation perspective. Metal-containing chemicals may influence conservation treatments by reacting with substances used for wood conservation and causing irreversible damage to wooden objects. Therefore, while developing new solutions for wood conservation, a broad knowledge not only on the state of wood preservation and deterioration but also on interacting chemical factors is required. The results of the research clearly show that content of minerals in waterlogged wood excavated from the bottom of the Lednica Lake considerably exceeded the average percentage of these elements in contemporary wood, which is associated with the mineralisation process. Moreover, variability in metal content was observed between waterlogged and contemporary wood. In waterlogged wood, the highest concentrations of Ca, Fe, Mg and P were observed, while in contemporary oak wood the predominant concentrations of K, Ca, Mn and Si were determined. Statistical analysis showed the variability in content of elements between different archaeological wood zones and contemporary wood. On the basis of the results obtained, it could be concluded that the studied waterlogged wood acted as an adsorbent of elements from water and sediments. High content of metal ions can be an impediment in developing new formulations for conservation, while using this wood as an experimental material. Therefore, while planning to use new chemicals as conservation agents, the possible interactions between chemicals and metals must be taken into consideration.

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