Evaluation of the Environmental Fate of Munition Compounds in Soil.
Abstract
A study was conducted to monitor the downward movement of Tetryl (N-methyl-N,2,4,6-tetranitroaniline), RDX (Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine), and TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene) and their transformation products through intact soil columns. Periodic soil water samples were taken by applying vacuum to ceramic cup sampling tubes installed at depths of 6, 18, 30 and 60 inches (15, 46, 76, and 152 cm). Periodic soil samples were taken at selected intervals in the soil profiles with an Oakfield sampler. The water and soil samples were analyzed for the munition compounds and their known transformation products. These studies were continued for a period of 6 months. Results showed very little detectable movement of the munition compounds or their known transformation products in this time frame. These compounds were detectable by HPLC as low as 50 ppb, but the areas under the curves of the graphs were too small to be reliably measured below 200 ppb. Separate studies indicated that this may be the combined result of soil fixation and limited water solubilities of the munition compounds.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA082874
Entities
People
- Lee G. Taft
- Thomas B. Stanford
- Verle Q. Hale
Organizations
- Battelle Memorial Institute