Using wood anatomical characteristics and physicochemical properties to segregate Amazonian wood wastes for charcoal production

ABSTRACT The anatomical characteristics of Amazonian wood wastes significantly influence their suitability for charcoal production, yet this relationship remains underexplored for industrial applications. This study analyzed wood wastes from twelve Amazonian species obtained through reduced-impact logging to identify which anatomical characteristics influence species grouping for improved charcoal production. Tests included anatomical, chemical, basic density (WBD), and carbonization analyses. Caryocar villosum exhibited the highest fiber length (1959.18 µm), vessel length (539.82 µm), and cell wall thickness (CWT: 9.17 µm). Parinari rodolphii stood out with the greatest total fiber width (25.17 µm). Dinizia excelsa had the smallest fiber lumen diameter (FLD: 1.76 µm), the highest wall fraction (WF: 89.14%), and notable CWT (7.22 µm), correlating with high WBD (796 kg m-3) and superior apparent relative density (ARD) of charcoal (620 kg m-3). Four groups of species with similar characteristics were recognized based on the dispersion of the scores in a PCA. FLD, CWT, and WF were the most relevant traits for group formation. M. elata, D. excelsa, and Lecythis lurida were considered the most suitable group for energy purposes due to their high WF and CWT values, resulting in high charcoal ARD (average 591 kg m-3). These findings support the adoption of circular bioeconomy strategies in tropical forestry by promoting the recovery and valorization of wood wastes for renewable energy generation and contributing to more sustainable charcoal supply chains.