# Real-Time Wood Chemotyping Using a Low-Cost and Compact Mass Spectrometer

## TL;DR

A low-cost, portable mass spectrometer can accurately identify tropical hardwood species in real-time, helping combat illegal logging.

## Contribution

First application of a compact mass spectrometer for direct chemotyping of tropical hardwoods for timber identification.

## Key findings

- PCA–LDA analysis achieved 100% classification accuracy for four high-value tropical hardwood species.
- The method requires minimal sample preparation and no chromatographic separation.
- The approach is portable and suitable for on-site use in enforcement contexts like ports and mobile units.

## Abstract

The ongoing deforestation of critical ecosystems such
as the Amazondriven
largely by illegal logginghighlights the urgent need for accessible,
scientifically robust tools for reliable timber identification. Traditional
anatomical methods often fall short when distinguishing between morphologically
similar species, while advanced analytical techniques, though accurate,
are typically expensive, laboratory-bound, and impractical for massive
timber trade monitoring. In this study, we report the first application
of a compact, low-cost mass spectrometer for direct chemotyping of
tropical hardwoods, aiming to explore its potential application in
timber identification in regulatory and enforcement contexts. Four
high-value species prone to fraudulent substitutionSwietenia macrophylla (mahogany), Carapa guianensis (andiroba), Cedrela
odorata (cedar), and Hymenaea courbaril (jatoba)were analyzed from methanol/water (3:1) extracts
using atmospheric solids analysis probe mass spectrometry (ASAP-MS),
an ambient ion source, and a single quadrupole mass analyzer (RADIAN
ASAP, single quadrupole), without chromatographic separation. Chemometric
analysis via PCA–LDA (combination between principal component
analysis and linear discriminant analysis) revealed clear species-specific
chemical fingerprints and achieved 100% classification accuracy with
minimal sample preparation. The proposed method combines high discriminatory
power, lower cost, and operational simplicity in a laboratory-independent
configuration with potential applicability across enforcement contexts
such as airports, seaports, or mobile units. Its minimal infrastructure
requirements suggest potential suitability for future on-site applications,
contributing to improved analytical support in timber trade enforcement
operations. This study provides a proof of concept for decentralized
analytical approaches that may contribute to improved timber trade
monitoring and biodiversity protection.