Ecological Risk Assessment of Explosive Residues in Rodents, Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fish

Abstract : Little information is available regarding the uptake kinetics of RDX or HMX by typical wetland (capable of root penetration into anaerobic zones) plants in constructed or real wetland systems. RDX uptake in aquatic and wetland plants has been studied previously (e.g. Best et al., 1997) but has not been rigorously explored. Wetlands are a key interface between non-point source runoff (e.g. firing ranges) and surface water or groundwater. Uptake kinetics are critical for an overall understanding of exposure as real systems are typically transiently loaded and concentration profiles are variable with depth due to microbial degradation. Leaching of RDX from simulated rain events and from simulated seasonal or event flooding will also play an important role in overall fate and exposure.