Removal of RDX, TNB, TNT, and HMX From Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant Waters Using Adsorption Technologies.
Abstract
The Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant (CAAP) is located in Grand Island, NE, and occupies 11,936 acres (4,832.38 ha) in Hall County. The CAAP is classified as a load, assembly, and pack facility and was constructed in 1942 for the purpose of manufacturing bombs for World War II. Environmental impacts of explosives manufacturing were evaluated in an Installation Assessment Study that identified 58 sources of contamination by explosive compounds. The plant is currently in standby status until completion of environmental studies required for real estate transactions. The U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station (WES) performed evaluations of adsorption and ultraviolet chemical oxidation for remediation of explosives contamination in CAAP waters. Average initial concentrations of 33.5 micrograms/l RDX, 110.8 micrograms/l TNB, 246.1 micrograms/l TNT, and 33.9 micrograms/l HMX were analyzed in the samples collected for the WES studies. Adsorption studies included evaluation of carbons, carbonaceous resins, one polymeric resin, and organophilic clays for removal of RDX, TNB, TNT, and HMX. Preliminary tests indicated that RDX, TNB, TNT, and HMX could be reduced to less than 0.2 micrograms/l most cost effectively by carbons, i.e., Calgon Filtrasorb 400 (F-400), Westates CC-601, and American Norit ROW 0.8. Isotherm evaluations verified results of the preliminary tests and indicated RDX, TNB, TNT, and HMX could be reduced below the current analytical detection limit of 0.2 micrograms/l. Regeneration tests indicated regenerated Westates CC-601 and regenerated American Norit ROW 0.8 could remove RDX, TNB, TNT, and HMX to less than 0.2 micrograms/l. Regenerated Calgon F-400 was not as effective as regenerated Westates CC-601 and regenerated American Norit ROW 0.8.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA309063
Entities
People
- Elizabeth C. Fleming
- Ken Christenson
- Randy Cerar