Hydrated Lime for Metal Immobilization and Explosives Transformation: Field Demonstration
Publication: Journal of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste
Volume 17, Issue 3
Abstract
This field demonstration investigated the application of alkaline hydrolysis for full-scale in situ remediation and control of munitions constituents, residues of explosives, and metals in hand grenade range soil. Concentrations of RDX in soil, soil pore water, and surface water runoff were decreased by 75, 75, and 98%, respectively, compared to the control, even though extensive live fire training continued throughout the demonstration. Zinc, the predominant metal contaminant, was reduced by 98% in surface water runoff compared to the untreated control. Although the source zone soil achieved the target pH of following lime application, the soil pore water and surface runoff water remained at , protecting groundwater and surface receiving waters from the potentially distressing high pH water. Hydrated lime application was accomplished in a few hours by using readily available equipment. Treatment cost was less than $2,250 per bay per year (2012) with primary cost variables dictated by site geochemistry, climate, availability of hydrated lime, range operations and maintenance, and necessary application equipment. Hydrated lime has proven itself to be a simple, innovative, and cost-effective technology to prevent munition constituents from migrating to local surface water or groundwater supplies.
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Acknowledgments
This project was funded by the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) as Project Number ER-0216. It has recently been selected as the ESTCP Project of the Year. Partial funding was also supplied by the Army Environmental Quality Technology (EQT) Program. Special thanks are extended to Ms. Beth-Anee Johnson and the entire Range Cadre. Citation of trade names in this report does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. This manuscript was approved for public release by the Chief of Engineers.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste
Volume 17 • Issue 3 • July 2013
Pages: 237 - 244
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 25, 2012
Accepted: Nov 30, 2012
Published online: Dec 3, 2012
Published in print: Jul 1, 2013
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