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Spatial variability in hydrogen and oxygen isotopic composition of Korean Red Pine and its implication for tracing wood origin

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Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the spatial variability in hydrogen and oxygen isotopic composition of Korean Red Pine (Pinus densiflora S. et Z.) and to explore the possibility of using wood isotopic composition as an indicator of geographical origin. Wood specimens were collected from 13 locations in South Korea, and isotopic composition was analyzed for the bulk wood and α-cellulose extracts. The isotopic composition of pines varied with growing location. δ2H and δ18O values of both bulk woods and α-cellulose decreased toward the high-latitude and inland areas, largely following variability in the isotopic composition of surface waters. Geographical variability was better represented by the bulk wood isotopic composition than by α-cellulose. Korean Red Pine is a common construction material that is threatened by illegal cutting and forgeries of origin. Therefore, the results obtained in this study provide a possible isotopic method for the tracing of wood origin.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (MSIP) (2013, University-Institute cooperation program), by the NAP (National Agenda Project) of the Korea Research Council of Fundamental Science and Technology, and by KBSI grant (C34700).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea

    Seonhye Lee, Heesun Chung & Kwang-Sik Lee

  2. Korea Forestry Promotion Institute, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea

    Beyung Su Park

  3. Division of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, Chungbuk, Korea

    Dongho Lee & Kwang-Sik Lee

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  1. Seonhye Lee
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  2. Beyung Su Park
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  3. Dongho Lee
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  4. Heesun Chung
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Correspondence to Dongho Lee or Kwang-Sik Lee.

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Lee, S., Park, B.S., Lee, D. et al. Spatial variability in hydrogen and oxygen isotopic composition of Korean Red Pine and its implication for tracing wood origin. Environ Earth Sci 73, 8045–8052 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-014-3960-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-014-3960-8

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