Kinetics of Base-Catalyzed 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene Transformation
Abstract
Contamination of groundwater, surface water and soil by explosives has occurred at military sites throughout the world as a result of manufacture of explosive compounds, assembly of munitions, and deployment of explosives containing devices. Due to the adverse effects of explosives on humans and other natural receptors, a low cost means of decontaminating these areas of contamination is needed. Base-catalyzed transformation of explosives has shown promise as a rapid, low-cost, and minimally resource-intensive technology for detoxifying explosives in soil and water. In order to understand the mechanism of these reactions, a laboratory study has been performed to determine the kinetics of the degradation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) with hydroxide in aqueous phase systems. Results presented include the validation of base-induced transformation of TNT, effects of neutralization and pH level on TNT transformation, kinetics of TNT degradation, and the dependence of the rate of TNT degradation on temperature. Understanding the effects of varying pH levels and kinetics of TNT transformation are parameters necessary for design of engineered remediation systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA395987
Entities
People
- Deborah R. Felt
- Lance D. Hansen
- Steven L. Larson
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center