Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA)-treated wood has been widely used in Korea since 1980s, but the release of chromium, copper, and arsenic from the wood has been reported to cause environmental contamination. This study was aimed at investigating the environmental impact of brook water and sediment from the construction of cylindrical wood piles around a brook (partially immersed in the water) and wood bridge structures over the brook. Ten water and ten composite sediment samples (including one control for each) were collected from sites where a large number of treated wood structures were installed. Samples were analyzed for total chromium, copper, and arsenic using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Water contamination was not observed in all samples, but metal concentrations in the sediment samples were elevated at most sites, indicating the accumulation of metals in the sediment. This study suggested that the use of CCA-treated wood by continuos contact with water can lead to marked leaching of metal components and may ultimately cause health effects on aquatic organisms living on or in the sediment.

The Cheongju Wonheung Ecological Park was constructed to help the multiplication of toads, following the beginning of the development of surrounding areas. A great number of CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate)- treated wood structures were included in the construction around the pond and the migration passage to the nearby mountain (Guryong Mountain). Noticeable malformation, however, occurred in toad tadpoles and most of them were found to be dead after all. This study was conducted to find the cause of the incidence, focusing on the contamination of the area with heavy metals. CCA-treated wood, soil, and water samples were collected around the pond and they were analyzed for heavy metals. The results showed that teratogenic copper concentrations were highly elevated in pond water and soil samples, suggesting that CCA-treated wood may be a potential source of toad malformation.