Explosives, Residues of Energetic Materials

There are over 1000 sites in the United States that are contaminated with energetic materials or chemicals from explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics. The greatest quantities of explosives are related to Department of Defense (DOD) military ordinance operations however residues from explosives may also be found in areas of mining as well. The sites include ordinance manufacturing plants, Load Assemble and Pack (LAP) facilities, testing/training ranges, and disposal operations. The largest percentage of contamination occurs from the LAP facilities, while the testing and training ranges are currently the most active cleanup sites.

Energetic compounds or explosives are categorized as nitroaromatics, nitramines and nitrate esters. Nitroaromatics (NO2 bonded to carbon in an aromatic ring) are identified as TNT, TNB, DNB and 2,4-DNT. Typical Nitramine compounds (NO2 bonded to Nitrogen in an Alicyclic rings) are RDX and HMX. The most common nitrate esters (NO2 bonded to oxygen in a aliphatic structure) are Nitroglycerin and PETN.

Pace Analytical Services has developed an HPLC method that combines EPA methods 8330 and 8332. We are NELAP accredited and USCOE approved to provide analysis of air, water, soil and surface wipes.

• EPA Method 8330 (Nitroaromatics /Nitamines) and 8332 (Nitroglycerin)
• EPA Method 314 (Perchlorates)