products and soil components. Transformation rate coefficients generally follow
first-order kinetics (Brannon and Myers 1997).
Data defining fate and transport process descriptors for explosives residues
have been directed toward TNT, its transformation products, RDX, and to a
lesser extent, HMX. A summary of existing environmental transport parameters
for compounds encountered on ranges provides a basis for identifying important
data gaps. Filling these data gaps is the focus of the current study. (This report
will be supplemented with a future, more comprehensive report of data gaps that
will be periodically updated as data are generated by the authors and others.) The
Objectives
The objectives of this study were to identify data gaps in existing fate and
transport process descriptors, to provide process descriptors for selected
explosives residues for which data are lacking, and to conduct an initial
evaluation of dissolution kinetics for TNT, RDX, and HMX. Fate and transport
process parameters were determined for the following TNT-related compounds
as a first priority, since no data were found for these compounds, and they have
been detected in soils on ranges and in groundwater: 2,4DNT, 2,6DNT,
1,3,5TNB, 1,3DNB.
Determination of Explosives Processes Data Gaps
Fate and transport process descriptors for the primary explosives, their
manufacturing impurities, and transformation products of TNT are available
(Table 14). The presence or absence of existing information on adsorption
coefficients and transformation rate coefficients was noted. Explosives detected
in soils or groundwater from sites such as arsenals, depots, and ammunition
plants are included (Murrmann and Nakano 1971; Leggett, Jenkins, and
Murrmann 1977; Walsh 1990; Walsh and Jenkins 1992; Pennington et al. 1995b;
Pennington et al. 1999). Analytical standards for transformation products of RDX
and HMX have only recently become available; therefore, little data concerning
their occurrence are available. Fate and transport process information is almost
totally lacking for nitrobenzene, tetryl, nitroglycerin, and PETN. Information for
2,4DNT, 2,6DNT, 1,3,5TNB, 1,3DNB, 3,5DNA, and picric acid is limited.
Although not included in Table 14, process descriptors are needed for the
transformation products of RDX and HMX.
1
Personal Communications, 2001, LTC J. C. Lynch, U.S. Army.
51
Chapter 3 Transport Parameters for Firing Range Residues
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