Generation of Biodegradation-Sorption Barriers for Munitions Constituents
Abstract
Explosive residues can accumulate from low order detonations. In this project, the transport and attenuation of TNT and RDX are evaluated in variably saturated soils at an active hand grenade range. The impact of natural attenuation and enhanced attenuation are evaluated in a series of laboratory experiments and in a 27 month field study. TNT was extensively degraded in all laboratory studies and never accumulated in the field. RDX did not biodegrade in well mixed batch microcosm studies but did degrade in laboratory columns and in the field under mixed aerobic/anaerobic conditions. Soil redox conditions were sensitive to soil moisture and organic carbon. In one bay, natural attenuation processes greatly reduced RDX leaching in both laboratory columns and in the field. In the other bay, natural attenuation was less effective in reducing leaching. However, addition of glycerin and lignosulfonate simulated oxygen consumption, enhancing RDX biodegradation, and reducing RDX leaching.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 15, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1076488
Entities
People
- Bilgen Yuncu
- Detlef T. Knappe
- Jongho Won
- Robert C. Borden
Organizations
- North Carolina State University