On-site determination of nitroaromatic, nitramine, and nitrate ester explosives compounds in soils was performed using a field-portable gas chromatograph (GC)equipped with a thermionic ionization detector (TID)selective for compounds with nitro functional groups. Soil samples were extracted with acetone. A 1 microliter volume of the filtered soil extract was manually injected into the GC, allowing for the rapid qualification and quantification of the suite of explosives that often coexist in soils at military training facilities and other defense-related sites. Good agreement was established for the concentrations of several explosives analytes when this method of analysis was compared to either high-performance liquid chromatography (Method 8330)or GC electron capture (Method 8095)analysis. Comparisons were performed for sample extracts and for soil subsample replicates distributed for on-site preparation and analysis during a field verification test performed under the auspices of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Technology Verification (ETV)Program.
This timely book covers the most recent developments in the chemical detection of explosives in a variety of environments. Beginning with a broad view of the need for and the potential applications of chemical sensing, the book considers the issue of how to effectively include chemical sensing into systems designed to find hidden explosives devices. Offering a firsthand look at the latest technologies direct from those who are actively developing them, the book features: A look at the history of the field, including the contributions of recent programs A brief explanation of the chemistry of various explosives and differences in the place where they may be detected An introduction to the problems presented by trace element sensing An overview and comparison of the technologies currently being used and developed Case studies of field experiences with chemical sensors A look at the emerging threat of non-traditional explosives This book is an important reference for explosives engineers, systems engineers involved in the development of related devices, government agencies and NGOs involved in demining efforts, military and law enforcement specialists in mines and explosive ordinance disposal (EOD), as well as environmental scientists and chemists involved in explosives research. In addition to providing field workers with knowledge that will help them decide where and how to search for explosives using chemical sensors. It will provide them with an understanding of the potential and the limitations of chemical sensing in their search for and identification of dangerous devices.
Dogs detect scent from a source that is carried to them in a plume by the wind. The most important tool for a detector dog handler to have on searches is a knowledge of scent plume movement or "scent dynamics" (the science of scent movement). Such knowledge resides primarily in scientific journals that are largely inaccessible to detector dog handlers and written in language that is difficult to understand. Detector Dogs and the Science of Scent Movement: A Handler’s Guide to Environments and Procedures retrieves, reviews, and interprets the results of pertinent scientific research on scent dynamics and presents these results in terms that are easier for handlers to understand. Information on the physiology of the dog’s nose, their sense of smell, and the properties of scent provide the essential information on the process of scenting. The composition of training aids for explosives, narcotics, human remains and other sources is discussed. Recommendations are made on the use of training aids, their placement during training, and the resulting availability of scent. Potential problems and handler errors in the use of training aids are also examined. The characteristics of scent plumes and how wind influences their movement are a key focus of the book. The primary task for the handler is to get the dog into the scent plume so that the dog can detect the scent and follow it to the source the handler seeks. As such, a knowledge of scent and scent plume movement will vastly improve the ability of the handler to accomplish this task. The influence of weather and physical settings such as terrain, vegetation, ground cover, soil and water on scent movement are examined in detail. Strategies for searching, detecting, and locating sources in all physical settings are presented. Specific effects associated with hills and mountains, fields and forests, bare soils and soils covered by vegetation, different soil types, and lakes and rivers are examined in detail. This includes specific recommendations are made about weather and physical settings that result in higher probability of success on searches. Detector Dogs and the Science of Scent Movement will be a vital resource for K9 handles in the private and public sectors—including in Homeland Security, law enforcement, and military settings—as well as a useful guide for lawyers, forensic, and investigative professionals who need to better understand K9 operations.
- Regulatory Perspectives and Decision-Making- Advances in Site Characterization- Environmental Data Management, Geostatistics, and GIS- Advances in Analytical and Detection Techniques- Risk-Based Analyses for Remediation- Human Health/Ecological Risk Assessment- Technical Impracticability- Long-Term Monitoring and Optimization- Innovative Monitoring and Control Systems.
While it is not possible to predict or necessarily prevent terrorist incidents in which chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) are deployed, correctly chosen, fast, and reliable detection equipment will allow prepared rescue workers to respond quickly and minimize potential casualties. Detection Technologies
At the rate that government and nongovernmental organizations are clearing existing landmines, it will take 450-500 years to rid the world of them. Concerned about the slow pace of demining, the Office of Science and Technology asked RAND to assess potential innovative technologies being explored and to project what funding would be required to foster the development of the more promising ones. The authors of this report suggest that the federal government undertake a research and development effort to develop a multisensor mine detection system over the next five to eight years.
This comprehensive text focuses on the increasingly important issues of urban geochemical mapping with key coverage of the distribution and behaviour of chemicals and compounds in the urban environment. Clearly structured throughout, the first part of the book covers general aspects of urban chemical mapping with an overview of current practice and reviews of different aspects of the component methodologies. The second part includes case histories from different urban areas around Europe authored by those national or academic institutions tasked with investigating the chemical environments of their major urban centers.
