Research results for the Sense Project year 2006

Sampling, extraction and analysis methods for RDX, HMX, PETN and tetryl have been evaluated and improved. These substances can be collected on a filter and analysed. The method has proven successful even for other explosives. However, the method must be thoroughly evaluated prior to further use on the field. Sampling with SPE phases and thermal desorption were investigated. The disadvantage of this method is the long analysis times required. An alternative method for sampling from water was developed. It uses the same filters as in the sampling form air, vide supra. Its advantage is the facile handling of the samples. This is favourable, both practically and economically. Composite sampling has shown great potential in the closing of shooting ranges. Improved analysis methods will allow the detection of interesting compounds for the current project in soil samples. The method that was previously developed for the extraction of TNT from soil (MAE) was evaluated for other explosives with varying results. Preliminary experiments with Soxhlet extraction are so far very promising, but the method must be optimised. A GC-MS equipment, which recently became available in our lab, will allow the improvement of current GC methods. The results are so far very promising. The work continues and its results will be reported next year. A seminar was given to present this year´s results to our costumers on the 21st of November. Some of these results were also presented at the NDRF conference in Trondheim on the 23-25 August.