Migration of explosives in the environment and testing of detection methods for humanitarian demining

The research at FOA considering the mine problem is focused on developing new methods for military mine clearance and humanitarian demining. This study reports on work aimed at determining parameters that influence the migration of explosives in the soil and the atmosphere. The preliminary investigation of the uptake of nitrogen from explosives by pansy plants produced a few interesting results. We found differences in the ability of the plants to utilise the nitrogen from the different explosives. The group of plants watered with the ADN-solution appeared to be rather unhealthy, probably, due to poisoning effects by the ADN substance or a degradation product, which influences the root system. We also found that the plants watered with the NTO-solution showed up with leaves with a yellow-white colour.