Prospects of using molecular near infrared spectroscopy for the proof of felled wood origin from the place of illegal felling

Abstract

Trees record all changes occurring in the environment, therefore many properties of wood are connected with specific peculiarities and characteristics of growing location. So far, however, in Belarus wood and timber belong to the group of goods, the origin of which it is not always possible to identify. Near-infrared spectroscopy is a promising method for solution of this problem. This research shows the possibility and describes some approaches to its application for identifying of the growing location of felled wood and confirmation of the declared location of its harvesting, presents the results of the experimental research carried out, and indicates some specific features of wood identification by this method. Using the procedure of a multiple factor analysis of data, the differences in spectra of wood samples selected in three different regions of Belarus were revealed. This led to a conclusion that the presented spectroscopic method is sensitive enough for fixating of changes in chemical structure of wood and, therefore, can be used for legality verification or for the proof of felled wood origin from the place of illegal felling.