Management of Munitions Constituents in Soil Using Alkaline Hydrolysis: A Guide for Practitioners

Abstract

Abstract : This report summarizes the state of the practice for the effective management of munitions constituents using alkaline amendments. It includes the wide variety of laboratory results that delineate the reaction kinetics and transformation products of alkaline hydrolysis. It also describes the field demonstrations that have proven the worth of alkaline amendments on both active training ranges and former defense facilities. Alkaline hydrolysis has been extensively studied for the degradation of secondary explosives in aqueous and soil systems. Laboratory studies have determined that the end products of alkaline hydrolysis are mostly small compounds that are readily biodegradable in natural systems. A well-mixed application of hydrated lime has been shown to reduce the concentration of explosives in soil and the concentration of explosives leaving soil lysimeters as both leachate and runoff. Field studies have proven the technology at both active training ranges and formerly used facilities. The total of the work performed to date has demonstrated alkaline hydrolysis to be a safe, effective, and cost-efficient method of managing or treating munitions constituents in soil. It has gained regulatory acceptance for soil remediation activities, and is a valuable technique for Army environmental practitioners.