Abstract
After an internal conflict that lasted over half a century, the detection and removal of antipersonnel landmines in Colombia have become cumbersome challenges. Antipersonnel landmines remain scattered in Colombia and with a considerable impact on the central-western region. Most of these devices are handmade (therefore, they can also be classified as improvised explosive devices) and composed of ammonium nitrate and fossil fuel blend, a mixture known as ANFO. Due to several unique factors, including concealment tactics and non-conventional manufacturing techniques employed by guerrilla fighters, the most efficient method for the detection of ANFO-based antipersonnel landmines is the use of trained canines. This review aims at describing the current chemical strategies used in the detection of ANFO-based antipersonnel landmines. First, a detailed description of the different techniques used in the detection of explosives is made. Then, all the strategies reported in the world for antipersonnel landmines detection are described. Finally, the importance of the use of canines for antipersonnel landmines detection is explained.
Highlights
Colombia is the only Latin American country where the number of antipersonnel landmines (APLs) buried has increased in recent years [1]
This review shows the current chemical strategies used in the detection on APLs, the advances reported to date for the detection of explosives, the methodologies applied to the detection of APLs, and the unknowns that still exist on the canine detection mechanism
There is a wide range of modern technologies used to detect explosives or APLs, canines with anti-explosive training continue to maintain a significant advantage in detection under environmental conditions
Summary
Colombia is the only Latin American country where the number of antipersonnel landmines (APLs) buried has increased in recent years [1]. The lack of precise information about the location and number of buried APLs, their increased use by drug traffickers, and technical weaknesses in currently-used detection procedures evidence an urgent need to engage in research efforts. In this way, it is necessary to generate new detection strategies, new sensors, and to improve demining practices that could eventually lead to a territory free of APLs [3]. According to Centro Nacional Contra Artefactos Explosivos y Minas – CENAM (National Center for Explosive and Landmines ) [6], about 99% of the APLs found in Colombia are based on ANFO (96% ammonium nitrate and 4% fuel oil). The last section presents the use of trained canines for the detection of APL and how some environmental and manufacturing factors of the explosive affect the detection by them
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