The Effects of UV Light on TNT and Other Explosives in Aqueous Solution
Abstract
The role of each of four bench-scale UV systems in the treatment of aqueous explosive solutions is discussed. Studies relating the effects of acetone and H2O2 in the treatment are reviewed. Under given conditions, UV light (254 nm) in conjunction with small concentrations of H2O2 results in the elimination of such explosives as TNT (alpha trinitro-toluene), RDX (cyclonite), HMX (homocylonite), 2,4 DNT (dinitrotoluene), 2,6 DNT and Explosive D (ammonium picrate) from their aqueous solutions. Analyses have shown that explosive disappearance is accompanied by a decrease in TOC after one hour of exposure. No significant concentrations of any related conversion products were detected in the one hour photolysates. Studies incorporating 1,3,5 labeled C14-TNT have indicated that the TNT molecule is cleaved and converted to C(14)O2 upon such treatment. UV treatment of bomb-loading effluents containing 221 ppm TNT and 148 ppm RDX successfully resulted in the elimination of these explosives and their conversion products.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 12, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA036132
Entities
People
- Catherine C. Andrews
- Jerald L. Osmon