Preliminary Assessment of Soil Remediation Technologies for Application to Liquid Propellant XM46-Contaminated Soils.
Abstract
Environmentally responsible handling of a new liquid propellant formulation (LP XM46) led the Crusader program to sponsor research on remediation technologies potentially useful in the event of an LP spill onto soil. Based on interactions of LP with soils described by previous research, a technology review and several laboratory-scale research projects were conducted. The techology review assessed suitability of soil washing, bioremediation, and enhanced natural attenuation. Research addressed implementation of soil washing, rate of potential nitrate loading to groundwater after a spill, and identification of gases evolved when LP initially contacts soils. Results confirmed that soil washing is an effective procedure for removing LP components from soils. A potential limitation to soil washing is disposal of the high nitrate wash water. Bioremediation and natural attenuation have some potential if the highly acidic soil resulting from an LP spill can be adjusted and the LP diluted to reduce toxicity to soil microflora. Results of nitrate studies suggest that immediate containment/remediation response will be necessary to ensure protection of groundwater from nitrate contamination in the event of large spills. Although gas production from LP reactions with soils is often visible as frothing of the soil surface, no noxious gases, such as NOx, were detected. However, spills to high carbonate soils in a confined space may present a CO2 health hazard. All three of the technologies for remediation of LP-contaminated soils are promising. Each will require additional development; however, soil washing and enhanced natural attenuation are probably closer to readiness than is bioremediation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA306452
Entities
People
- Dan M. Townsend
- Donald D. Adrian
- Jimmy C. Oxley
- Judith C. Pennington
- Tommy E. Myers