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Extraction of TNT from aggregate soil fractions
1Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, USA.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|June 24, 1999
Summary
This study developed methods to measure 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in large aggregate materials found at contaminated military sites. Effective extraction and measurement of TNT in gravel and cobbles were achieved.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Soil Science
Background:
- Military activities cause soil contamination with explosives.
- Existing methods do not analyze explosives in aggregate soil fractions (>2 mm).
- Contaminated aggregate material poses environmental and health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate methods for extracting and measuring 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in aggregate materials.
- To address a gap in the analysis of explosives in larger soil particles.
Main Methods:
- Soxhlet extraction and ultrasonic extraction were used to isolate TNT from aggregate samples.
- High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed for TNT quantification.
- Analysis focused on aggregate material ranging from 1/2 to 2-1/1 from a WWII ammunition plant.
Main Results:
- Both Soxhlet and ultrasonic methods proved effective for TNT extraction from aggregate material.
- TNT concentration varied among the analyzed samples.
- Successful determination of TNT concentration across different aggregate size fractions was achieved.
Conclusions:
- The developed methods enable accurate analysis of TNT in aggregate soil fractions.
- This research provides a foundation for assessing and managing explosives contamination in larger soil particles.
- Improved characterization of contaminated sites is possible with these new techniques.