Characterization of Explosives Contamination at Military Firing Ranges

TLDR

Soil samples were collected from three areas at Fort Lewis and a hand grenade range at Fort Richardson and analyzed for explosives residues by GC‑ECD using SW‑846 Method 8095. All hand grenade range samples contained detectable RDX, and TNT, 2,4‑DNT transformation products (2ANT, 4ANT), and HMX were frequently detected.

Abstract

Abstract : Soil samples were collected at military training ranges at two Army installations. Three areas were sampled within the training ranges at Fort Lewis Washington: the band grenade range a 105-mm howitzer firing point and a portion of the artillery impact area and a hand grenade range at Fort Richardson Alaska. Soil samples were analyzed for explosives-related residues by GC-ECD using SW-846 Method 8095 (draft). All soil samples from both hand grenade ranges were found to have detectable concentrations of RDX. TNT two environmental transformation products of 2,4-DNT (2ANT and 4ANT) and HMX were often detected as well.