Laboratory Column Evaluation of High Explosives Attenuation in Grenade Range Soils
Abstract
High explosives (HEs) deposited on military ranges can leach through the soil and contaminate groundwater. We examined the transport and fate of HEs in laboratory columns containing soils from two hand grenade bays (Bays C and T) and the impact of organic amendments on biodegradation. Soil characteristics were similar; however, Bay C had somewhat higher clay and organic C. Experimental treatments included addition of crude glycerin and lignosulfonate, and parallel control columns. Experimental results showed extensive 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT) degradation with minimal leaching, consistent with prior batch microcosm results. Amendment addition enhanced TNT degradation in both Bays C and T compared with controls. Although hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine (Royal Demolition Explosive, or RDX) did not biodegrade in prior aerobic batch microcosms, 64 to 77% of RDX biodegraded in untreated soil columns with O2 present in the mobile soil gas. The RDX biodegradation was likely associated with short‐term anoxic conditions or anoxic micro‐niches. In nearly saturated Bay C columns, RDX removal increased to >92%. Amendment addition to unsaturated Bay T columns increased RDX removal to >86%. In one column, the soil remained anoxic (O2 2, and that amendment addition can reduce RDX leaching by stimulating anaerobic biodegradation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2017
- Source ID
- 10.2134/jeq2017.05.0180
Entities
People
- Jongho Won
- Robert C. Borden
Organizations
- Environmental Security Technology Certification Program
- United States Department of Defense