EVALUATION OF THE ATTENUATION PATHWAY OF WASTE AMMUNITION DISPOSAL ON AGRARIAN ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The research delves into the global issue of chemical pollution, specifically examining the accumulation of heavy metals resulting from energetic materials used in military activities. The study highlights the ecological and health risks associated with these methods by tracing the historical evolution of ammunition disposal practices from ocean discharge to open burning. With an excess of munitions inventory, the need for safe disposal options becomes imperative. The thesis categorizes low and high explosives, emphasizing military-used energetic materials. Contaminants such as RDX, TNT, HDX, perchlorate, and metals are addressed, emphasizing the urgent requirement for a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact of ammunition demolition. The study underlines potential health risks from contaminant migration, proposing objectives to evaluate pollution levels, seasonal effects, spatio-temporal variations, and natural remediation. In focusing on the environmental impacts of demolition activities, particularly on air and soil quality, the research employs various sampling methods to collect data on pollutants and physicochemical parameters. Statistical analyses, including time series and regression, are conducted to understand seasonal variations, attenuation rates, and natural remediation processes, with results compared against regulatory standards. Monthly variations in heavy metal concentrations and physical-chemical parameters in water at a demolition site are investigated, revealing consistent iron and zinc levels and notable copper fluctuations. Seasonal effects on water contaminants, soil and plant samples from the demolition site and surrounding community are analyzed, emphasizing chloride and sulfate dominance in water, seasonal variations in soil metals, and varying explosive concentrations in plants and soil. Furthermore, the study addresses the spatiotemporal variations in soil and plant concentrations of heavy metals and explosive residues following demolition in Alamala and its surrounding communities. Results showcase elevated lead levels in Alamala, nuanced patterns in copper, manganese, nickel, chromium, and cadmium, and distinct concentrations of explosive residues influenced by elevation and demolition activities. The complex interplay of environmental factors affecting contaminant distribution is underscored. The research also investigates the spatiotemporal variations and remediation rates of heavy metal and explosive contaminants in water, soil, and plants over 90 days post-demolition. The findings reveal varying contaminant concentration changes, emphasizing differences in water, soil, and plant remediation rates. Unique decay rates for explosive contaminants highlight the importance of understanding remediation dynamics in different environmental compartments. In summary, this comprehensive research sheds light on the severe environmental repercussions of military ammunition discharge in Alamala, emphasizing potential threats to human health and ecosystems. The findings significantly advance understanding in the field, providing crucial insights for policymakers, environmental agencies, and communities impacted by military activities. Overall, the study enriches knowledge of the complex interplay of environmental factors in regions affected by military practices.