THE POSSIBLE MILITARY SIGNIFICANCE OF CONTAMINANTS FOUND IN TROPICAL ATMOSPHERES
Abstract
The practical nature of the studies undertaken is emphasized by reference to the known tendency of the tropical environment to accelerate decomposition of organic materials. Several experiments conducted in a tropical environment offer strong, though not conclusive, evidence that microbiological activity deteriorates metals. Data were presented to show that the presence of microorganisms, and/or products of microorganisms, water, and cycling of temperature to force frequent wetting of surfaces, produced an effect on iron different from the effect caused by exposure to the ambient atmosphere of the Canal Zone. Furthermore, it was shown that unless these conditions were all present--microorganisms, water, and temperature fluctuations--iron surfaces remained unaffected. Supplementary data were presented to show that microorganisms may derive at least some nutrient from atmospheric chemical contaminants, and very preliminary statements were made concerning the results of atmospheric sampling done to determine the nature of the contaminants present in the tropical atmosphere.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0634692
Entities
People
- Robert S. Hutton