Hydrated Lime for Metal Immobilization and Explosives Transformation: Field Demonstration

AbstractThis 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 >10.5 following lime application, the soil pore water and surface runoff water remained at pH<9.5, 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 ...