Annual report 2003 on Environmental studies (Armed Forces)

This report summarises the results of the research program Environmental studies during 2003. In a trilateral cooperation concerning Environmental Aspects of Energetic Materials has a field sampling exercise been undertaken at the shooting range in Älvdalen. The possibilities to cooperate concerning environmental aspects in international operations has also been investigated. A pilot study on modelling of noise has resulted in the proposition of a project Development of numerical tools for estimation of noise problems at military air and shooting operations. To get a flexible system for studying the dispersion of contaminants in soil a lysimeter prototype has been constructed. Cadmium, PCB and VX has been identified as possible type substances for defence specific exposures in i.e. international operations. Studies show that biodegradation of the explosive guanidine-dinitroamid, (GDN), is possible. Tests indicate that the explosive FOX-7 gives slight allergic response. Most degradation products from explosives such as TNT, oktogen, hexogen and CL 20 are polar and therefore hard to analyze. Preliminary studies show that a hydrophilic salvation method can be used for extracts from sediments/soil and water. Explosives of interest for regaining have been investigated with emphasize on what problems that need to be solved and how to solve them. Laboratory tests of oktogen and hexogen show that regaining is possible.