Applying colorimetry and visible spectroscopy to discriminate wood species in a forest management area in the amazon floodplain

Abstract The objective of this study was to use colorimetry and visible spectroscopy to discriminate wood species obtained from the Amazon floodplain, in addition to determining the basic density and relating it to the wood colorimetric parameters. The studied material was from a community forest management area in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. For colorimetric and visible spectrum analyses, data were obtained randomly in the transverse anatomical surface. The spectral behavior of the wood samples in the visible region was evaluated. In the statistical analyses, comparisons of colorimetric parameters and visible spectra of wood from floodplain tree species were carried out. Furthermore, the basic density of the wood was determined. The best differentiation of species was achieved mainly by the hue angle. The species Pseudobombax munguba (Mart.) Dugand presented the highest median for the coordinate of the red-green axis, and the medians of the species P. munguba and Hevea spruceana (Benth.) Müll.Arg. obtained higher values of the blue-yellow axis coordinate and saturation. All species evaluated were classified as light and having low-density wood. Thus, it can be concluded that the colorimetric technique has potential to distinguish Amazon floodplain forest species.