The Effect of Soil Moisture on the Ability to Detect TNT Pairs from the Sand Layer in Order to Prevent Environmental Pollution and Groundwater

Wojciech Pawłowski,Monika Karpińska

doi:10.3390/molecules26133908

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of sand bed moisture on TNT transport from under the sand layer. The MO-2M explosive vapor detector was used, the detection mechanism of which is based on the FAIMS method. In addition, it was determined after what time the detector alarm appears, signaling the presence of TNT vapors, and how it affects the thickness of the sand layer. The performed work allowed us to assess the suitability and possibly adapt the MO-2M detector to detect non-metal mines, which will help develop new application possibilities for this device. These tests can also be used to eliminate environmental contamination resulting from the deposition of explosives in the ground and the migration of harmful compounds to groundwater.

Highlights

Maintaining public safety is one of the main goals of world leaders today
Minefields pose a threat to the life and health of the local population and the environment is increasingly contaminated, as they contribute to the deposition of free explosives in the soil
Efforts are made to remove such substances in order to prevent the migration of harmful compounds to the groundwater, which is the cause of environmental pollution

Summary

Introduction

Maintaining public safety is one of the main goals of world leaders today. To this day, there are many minefields and post-war remains in former battlefields, which pose a threat to the people living there. The military in its current hostilities continues to put minefields as the best protection against the movement of enemy tanks, trucks and troops in the areas of military operations. Modern minefields are meant to be dams to warn of intruders entering the guarded areas. Minefields pose a threat to the life and health of the local population and the environment is increasingly contaminated, as they contribute to the deposition of free explosives (including carcinogenic nitro compounds) in the soil. Efforts are made to remove such substances in order to prevent the migration of harmful compounds to the groundwater, which is the cause of environmental pollution

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Results