Extraction of TNT from aggregate soil fractions.
Past explosives manufacture, disposal, and training activities have contaminated soil at many military facilities, posing health and environmental risks through contact, potential detonation, and leaching into ground water. While methods have been confirmed for extraction and measuring explosives concentration in soil, no work has addressed aggregate size material (the >2 mm gravel and cobbles) that often occurs with the smaller soil fractions. This paper describes methods and results for extraction and measurement of TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene) in aggregate material from 1/2 to 2-1/1 from a WWII era ammunition plant. TNT was extracted into acetonitrile by both Soxhlet and ultrasonic extraction methods. High pressure liquid chromatography analyses of extracts showed expected variation among samples. Also effective extraction and determination of TNT concentration for each aggregate size fraction was achieved.
Mammalian Toxicity of Munitions Compounds. Phase I. Acute Oral Toxicity, Primary Skin and Eye Irritation, Dermal Sensitization, Disposition and Metabolism and Ames Tests of Additional Compounds
Abstract : Tests indicated that 3,5-Dinitrotoluene (3,5-DNT) was the most potent of all DNT isomers in oral acute doses to rats and mice. 2-Amino-4, 6-DNT (2- ADNT) and its isomer, 4-ADNT, were the least potent in rats and female mice, and comparable to 2,3-DNT and 2,4-DNT in male mice. 3.5-DNT and 4-ADNT were not irritating to rabbit skin; 2-ADNT was a mild irritant. All three compounds were not irritating to rabbit eyes and not sensitizing to guinea pigs. 3,5-DNT and 4- ADNT were absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, metabolized and excreted in the urine. In the Ames test, 1,3-dinitroglycerin (1,3-DNG), 1-mononitroglycerin (1-MNG), nitrocellulose and white phosphorus were not mutagenic. Trinitrotoluene (TNT) 2,4-DNT, 2,5-DNT, tetranitromethane (TNM) and 1,2-DNG were mutagenic at 10 to 30 microgram/plate in one or more strains. TNM was bactericidal without activation. 1,2-DNG was nonmutagenic with activation. 2,3-DNT, 2,6-DNT, 3,5-DNT, trinitroglycerin and 2-MNG were weakly mutagenic, with mutagenic results at 100 or 1,000 microgram/plate in one or more strains.
Aquatic Field Survey at Iowa Army Ammunition Plant.
Abstract : Field collections were conducted during the summer period 12-24 August 1974. Material and specimens were collected for species diversity and distribution, chemical analysis of water and sediments, and bioaccumulation and biodegradation of munition compounds. Station locations used during this survey were established after consideration of the following: (1) the present sampling program conducted by plant personnel; (2) the effluent locations from various Operation Groups or Lines; and (3) the data received through past reports. There are approximately 21 miles of stream within the plant boundaries which also includes two lakes formed by the construction of dams. Three stream systems have their origins or pass through the IAAP installation. These include Long Creek which originates, in part, outside the installation boundary; Brush Creek which originates within the installation; and Spring Creek which also orginates, in part, outside the IAAP boundaries.