Conceptual Model and Process Descriptor Formulations for Fate and Transport of UXO
Abstract
Primary release mechanisms for explosives from UXO are identified and conceptual models for UXO fate and transport were developed for the upland and aquatic environments. The state of development for explosives release mechanisms and process descriptor formulations for fate and transport of explosives from UXO were investigated and important data gaps were identified. The most extensive data gaps are associated with source term, which encompasses the movement of explosives from UXO into the environment. The source term is strongly affected by UXO integrity, munition type, and the environment in which the munition resides. For a cracked or corroded munition, dissolution rate of the explosive in the munition is one of the more important parameters affecting the fate and transport of the explosive into the environment. Explosives exiting corroded UXO could be transformed by exposure to iron, a process shown to strongly affect explosives. Adsorption of TNT and RDX by soils can be estimated based on soil cation exchange capacity. Research was also conducted to explore the relationship between HMX adsorption and soil physical characteristics and the affects of light on TNT disapperance from aquatic systems. Disappearance of TNT from soil/water systems is not appreciably affected by exposure to light. This demonstrates that processes which act independently of light are most important in a soil/water system and will control the disappearance of TNT.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA360831
Entities
People
- Carlos E. Ruiz
- Cynthia Price
- James M. Brannon
- Mohammed Qasim
- Patrick Deliman