The fate and transport of nitroglycerin in the unsaturated zone at active and legacy anti-tank firing positions

The environmental fate of nitroglycerin (NG) in the unsaturated zone was evaluated in the context of double-base propellant residue deposition at anti-tank training ranges. Fresh propellant residues were collected during live anti-tank training. Surface soils, sub-surface soils and water samples from the unsaturated zone were collected at an active anti-tank range, and at a legacy site where NG-based propellants have been used. Results show that the residues are composed of intact propellant particles, as well as small quantities of NG, dinitroglycerin (DNG) and nitrate which are rapidly dissolved by precipitation, resulting in sporadic pulses of those compounds in water from the unsaturated zone after rain/snow melt events. The dissolved NG and DNG can be progressively degraded in the unsaturated zone, releasing nitrate as an end-product. Over a period of several years, small propellant particles located at the soil surface can be carried downward through the soil pore system by infiltration water, which explains the presence of NG in sub-surface soils at the legacy site, more than 35 years after site closure. NG is no longer leached from these old particles, therefore the detection of NG in sub-surface soils does not signify that groundwater is at risk of contamination by NG.

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► The environmental fate of nitroglycerin (NG) from propellant residues was evaluated.
► In fresh residues, small quantities of NG, DNG and nitrate are readily-soluble.
► The remaining NG is within intact particles, and will partially leach out over time.
► Dissolved NG is progressively degraded in the unsaturated zone.
► At legacy sites, NG does not leach from the propellant particles anymore.