Browsing by Author "Ladyman, Melissa"

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    Data supporting 'Evaluate the effects of Insensitive High Explosives residues on soil by using an Environmental Quality Index (EQI) approach'
    (Cranfield University, 2023-02-16 16:14) Persico, Federica; Temple, Tracey; Coulon, Frederic; Ladyman, Melissa
    Data presented show the fate and transport of Insensitive High Explosives (IHE) in two different soils, a pristine and a land-degraded soil. Results are also evaluating changes to the physical, chemical and biological sections of the soil over time. Moreover, and and Environmental Quality Index (EQI) has been developed and each value has been scored to understand if soil quality is impacted by the explosive presence.
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    Data supporting: 'Assessing the performance of environmental management in academic research laboratories'
    (Cranfield University, 2022-11-23 16:56) Ladyman, Melissa; Persico, Federica; Gutierrez Carazo, Encina; Temple, Tracey
    Electronic survey and survey data for the paper: Assessing the performance of environmental management systems in academic research laboratories
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    Data supporting: 'Development of an environmental hazard-based rating assessment for defence-related chemical compounds in ecological soil systems'
    (Cranfield University, 2022-08-31 16:53) Persico, Federica; Temple, Tracey; Coulon, Frederic; Ladyman, Melissa
    Environmental hazard-based methods are commonly used to categorise the severity of chemical contamination to ecological soil systems, although a traffic-light approach (green, amber, red) has never been used to assess these consequences. A traffic light approach is an easy to interpretate data as it has a clear visual display which can provide an early warning approach for stakeholders to identify areas that require further investigation. This approach should be underpinned by extensive research data and systematic methods of development. However, the extent of reliable data available for specific chemicals can be limited and therefore decision making may rely on expert judgement. Therefore, in this study, an environmental hazard-based rating methodology was developed by combining the guidelines from the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) and the USEPA for Predicted Non-effect Concentration (PNEC) and Ecological Soil Screening Levels (Eco-SSL) for defence-related chemicals (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane (RDX), cypermethrin, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)). The developed hazard-based rating assessment was design to categorise the chemicals into low, medium and high environmental hazards priority to inform and ease the decision-making process for contaminated areas to ensure that sustainable operations are carried out.
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    Development of a soil analytical framework to facilitate early identification of the deleterious effects of emerging contaminants and chemicals of military concern on soil
    (Cranfield University, 2023-01-05T12:42:02Z) Persico, Federica; Coulon, Frederic; Ladyman, Melissa; Temple, Tracey
    Insensitive munitions are currently in use in military operations and training areas around the world and are usually filled with Insensitive High Explosive (IHE) formulations, such as combinations of constituents including 2,4-dinitroanisle (DNAN), 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) and RDX. Literature is available on the physiochemical nature of these materials, although the actual consequence of residues being deposited post-detonation in the environment is still an unexplored area of research. Of particular interest is the evaluation of soil health as it provides an early warning sign of contamination that may impact on human health and other environmental receptors. This research aimed to establish the concentrations of IHE in soil that would be detrimental to soil by quantifying residues from three detonated 155mm artillery shells filled with IHE composition (15% RDX, 32% DNAN and 53% NTO). The data collected was used to calculate the impact of 100 detonations to estimate the cumulative impacts. The estimated soil concentration values were simulated in outdoor soil mesocosms to establish high, medium, and low soil health boundaries for IHE in soil. The results obtained provide insight on the environmental impact of IHE filled munitions supporting future research in understanding consequences on soil health of detonated munitions.
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    DNAN behaviour during laboratory-scale explosiveness test
    (Cranfield University, 2018-03-19 08:49) Galante, Erick; Mai, Nathalie; Ladyman, Melissa; Gill, Philip; Temple, Tracey
    Video recorded during a laboratory-scaled explosiveness test, in which a 10mg sample of DNAN was heated (43ºC/min) within a sealed 10mL headspace vial
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    Evaluating the effect of insensitive high explosive residues on soil using an environmental quality index (EQI) approach
    (Elsevier, 2023-02-03) Persico, Federica; Coulon, Frederic; Ladyman, Melissa; Fernandez Lopez, Carmen; Temple, Tracey
    The environmental impact of Insensitive High Explosive (IHE) detonation residues to soil quality was assessed using a series of outdoor soil mesocosms. Two different soils were used including a pristine sandy soil and a land-degraded soil collected from a training range. Both soils were spiked with an IHE mixture comprised of 53 % NTO, 32 % DNAN and 15 % RDX at three different concentrations 15, 146 and 367 mg/kg respectively. The concentration levels were derived from approximate residues from 100 detonations over a 2 week training period. A set of five physico-chemical and biological indicators representative of the two soils were selected to develop environmental quality indexes (EQI). It was found that none of the concentrations tested for the pristine soil affected the chemical, biological and physical indicators, suggesting no decrease in soil quality. In contrast, the EQI for the degraded soil was reduced by 24 %, mainly due to a decrease in the chemical and biological components of the soil. Therefore, it is concluded that depending on the soil health status, IHE residues can have minor or severe consequences on soil health. Further studies are needed to determine the environmental impact of IHE on soil and water especially in the case where a larger number of detonations are more likely to be carried out on a training range.
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    IHE1 behaviour during laboratory-scale explosiveness test
    (Cranfield University, 2018-03-15 13:50) Galante, Erick; Mai, Nathalie; Ladyman, Melissa; Gill, Philip; Temple, Tracey
    Video recorded during a laboratory-scaled explosiveness test, in which a 20mg sample of NTO, DNAN and RDX was heated (43ºC/min) within a sealed 10mL headspace vial
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    Introducing Bayesian belief updating as a method to counter improvised explosive devices: a qualitative case study on identifying human behaviours associated with explosive chemical precursor diversion
    (Springer, 2023-08-21) Collett, Gareth; Ladyman, Melissa; Temple, Tracey; Hazael, Rachael; McNaught, Ken R.
    Countering improvised explosive devices (C-IED) is a significant theme of the twenty-first century, particularly in regions with limited governance and a fragile rule of law. Many strands of activity are involved, with human interaction proving difficult to predict. However, Bayesian belief updating (used across several academic fields to provide insight into human behaviours) has never been considered. Given the breadth of C-IED, this research focusses on a state affected by conflict, and where illicit diversion of explosive chemical precursors (ECP) for IED manufacture is supported by the population. It aims to represent (both visually and probabilistically) a methodology by which human relationships could be better understood, thereby promoting belief updating as new evidence becomes available. Such belief updating would refine focus and improve resource mobilisation.
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    Investigating residue dissolution of insensitive high explosives in two sandy soil types: a predictive modelling approach
    (Elsevier, 2023-09-15) Gutierrez-Carazo, Encina; Dowle, James; Coulon, Frederic; Temple, Tracey; Ladyman, Melissa
    The demand for munitions that are less likely to detonate accidentally has led to an increased use of Insensitive High Explosives (IHE), which contain substances like 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN) and 5-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-3-one (NTO). These substances have different properties compared to traditional explosives, and their potential environmental impact is not well understood. When these explosives are used in live-fire training exercises, their residues end up in the soil. It is important to determine how these residues dissolve and enter the soil. This study aimed to experimentally measure the rate at which an IHE formulation dissolves when exposed to rainwater with pH levels of 5.0 and 6.5, and to simulate how these residues dissolve and move through two different soil types. The dissolution rates were determined by conducting experiments in which IHE particles (30–60 mg) were exposed to water with varying pH levels and temperatures. The results showed that the dissolution rate of NTO did not vary with pH, while the dissolution rate of DNAN and RDX decreased with decreasing pH. Specifically, the dissolution rate of DNAN decreased from 18 ± 40 μg min−1 at pH 6.5 to 6 ± 4 μg min−1 at pH 5.0, while the dissolution rate of RDX decreased from 8 ± 4 to 3 ± 1 μg min−1. These findings were used to develop a stochastic model that successfully simulated the concentration of IHE in the leachate from soil columns over time. A sensitivity analysis revealed that while dissolution rates determined the amount of mass entering the soil, they did not significantly regulate the amount of mass that migrated through the soil and leached out of the soil columns.
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    Investigation into the fate and transport of Insensitive High Explosives in sandy soils to inform the development of a computational simulation
    (Cranfield University, 2022-08) Gutierrez-Carazo, Encina; Ladyman, Melissa; Coulon, Frederic
    The use of less-sensitive energetic formulations for military training activities has driven the replacement of traditional explosive fills by a new generation known as Insensitive High Explosives (IHE). Due to their novelty, little is understood about their behaviour in the environment when deposited as part of a formulation, specifically how long they may persist and the likelihood of transport of significant concentrations to groundwater. However, it is impractical to empirically investigate the behaviour of IHE in all possible environmental conditions and scenarios, and as of yet, there is no single computational model that enables simulation of persistence of IHE in soil. Therefore, the aim of this thesis was to provide insight into the chemical behaviour of IHE to simulate their fate and transport in sandy soils. To achieve this, the key parameters governing IHE dissolution, transport through soil and degradation were identified, highlighting that the partitioning coefficient regulated IHE mobility through soil; rainwater pH modified IHE dissolution and soil temperature had a significant influence on IHE degradation. These parameters were used to develop a stochastic model able to simulate breakthrough times and concentrations in sandy soil environments. Comparison of simulated breakthrough concentrations of IHE to empirical soil columns proved that the model was able to representatively predict how IHE behaved in soil specifically concentration in leachate over time, which would be invaluable in evaluation of the environmental risks posed by IHE residues and to support soil remediation strategies in contaminated areas.
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    NTO behaviour during laboratory-scale low confinement test
    (Cranfield University, 2018-03-15 13:50) Galante, Erick; Mai, Nathalie; Ladyman, Melissa; Gill, Philip; Temple, Tracey
    Video recorded during a laboratory-scaled explosiveness test, in which a 20mg sample of NTO was heated (43ºC/min) within a sealed 10mL headspace vial
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    Optimised accelerated solvent extraction of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5 triazine (RDX) from polymer bonded explosives
    (Cranfield University, 2018-06-04 08:56) Ladyman, Melissa; Mai, Nathalie; Temple, Tracey; Coulon, Frederic
    Raw HPLC data and calibration curves used to determine extraction efficiency of varying methods. The analysed data and produced graphs are also given. Numbers given are for % recovery of explosive (RDX or HMX) by extraction method/ optimized condition (ASE/ Sohxlet).
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    PBX 110 behaviour during laboratory-scale explosiveness test
    (Cranfield University, 2018-03-15 13:50) Galante, Erick; Mai, Nathalie; Ladyman, Melissa; Gill, Philip; Temple, Tracey
    Video recorded during a laboratory-scaled explosiveness test, in which a 20mg sample of PBXN-110 was heated (43ºC/min) within a sealed 10mL headspace vial
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    PBX1 behaviour during laboratory-scale low confinement test
    (Cranfield University, 2018-03-15 13:50) Galante, Erick; Mai, Nathalie; Ladyman, Melissa; Gill, Philip; Temple, Tracey
    Video recorded during a laboratory-scaled explosiveness test, in which a 20mg sample of PBXN-111 was heated (43ºC/min) within a sealed 10mL headspace vial
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    PBX2 behaviour during laboratory-scale low confinement test
    (Cranfield University, 2018-03-15 13:50) Galante, Erick; Mai, Nathalie; Ladyman, Melissa; Gill, Philip; Temple, Tracey
    Video recorded during a laboratory-scaled explosiveness test, in which a 20mg sample of PBXN-109 was heated (43ºC/min) within a sealed 10mL headspace vial
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    Persistence of 2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene in the environment
    (Elsevier, 2023-10-13) Christian, Olivia; Spencer, Michael; Ladyman, Melissa; Persico, Federica; Gutierrez-Carazo, Encina; Kadansky, Evie; Temple, Tracey
    2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TATB) is an Insensitive High Explosive (IHE) that is increasingly being used as a safer alternative to traditional energetic materials. However, the high thermal stability of TATB poses challenges for its disposal, particularly through existing open burning methods and its ability to remain in the environment for long period of time. Therefore, this study investigated the persistence of TATB in the environment by conducting small-scale experiments which were designed to examine the resistance of TATB to open burning and to assess unburnt residues. To evaluate the fate and transport of the unburnt materials in soil, laboratory-scale soil column transport studies were conducted to gauge the movement of TATB through soil. The results indicate that TATB exhibits a high resistance to burning, leaving unburnt materials that can persist in soil. The study emphasizes the importance of efficient disposal methods for explosives and highlights the need for further research to understand the environmental impact and toxicity of TATB.
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    Predicting the transport of 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN) and 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) in sandy and sandy loam soils
    (Elsevier, 2022-11-21) Gutierrez-Carazo, Encina; Dowle, James; Coulon, Frederic; Temple, Tracey; Ladyman, Melissa
    There is a trend toward the use of Insensitive High Explosives (IHE) in both military and civil applications as they are intended to be less prone to accidental detonation compared to traditional explosive fills. This has driven the development of new explosive formulations containing different chemical compounds whose behaviour once they are released into the environment is not fully understood. To date, research into the toxicity and the persistence of IHE compounds in the environment is scarce and little has been described about how they interact with, or move through soil. In this work, the transport of two IHE constituents, 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN) and 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO), through two soil types (sand and sandy loam) was simulated in GoldSim using a stochastic approach. The simulation outputs were validated by comparison to results from empirical soil column experiments. Sorption of the IHE constituents to the soil was the most significant factor in predicting when the contaminants eluted from the soil column. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that variation in the matrix water partition coefficient (Kd) had the greatest influence when used to predict the IHE compounds transport. Kd was measured empirically and, as expected, it was low in sand for NTO (0.334 L kg-1) and DNAN (0.401 L kg-1), suggesting high mobility. While in sandy loam Kd for NTO (0.242 L kg-1) was similar to one obtained in sand, it was significantly higher for DNAN (9.128 L kg-1), explaining the high retention and adsorption in the sandy loam soil. The use of stochastic modelling to estimate IHE breakthrough concentrations could enable the uncertainty inherent in environmental systems to be embedded into simulations, thus increasing their representativeness. This study is the first step toward proactive management of IHE in the environment, and may support decision making for remediation and mitigation strategies in different environments.
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    Quantitative Environmental Assessment of Explosive Residues from the Detonation of Insensitive High Explosive Filled 155 mm Artillery Shell
    (Cranfield University, 2022-01-14 08:30) Persico, Federica; Temple, Tracey; Ladyman, Melissa; Fawcett-Hirst, William; Gutierrez Carazo, Encina; Coulon, Frederic
    Following the detonation on a 155mm filled with an Insensitive High Explosive composition (IMX-104) composed by DNAN, NTO and RDX a sampling collection has been carried out to determine the residue deposition of the explosive residues. Half of a sampling arena (10m radius) has ben set up and filled with a 5 cm layer of sand. Samples have been collected in the area, following the Multi-Increment sampling technique, before and after the arena has been set up to determine if there was any cross-contamination after the detonation occurred. A rope has been used to create 2 x 2 m sections in which samples have been collected, following the multi-increment technique, in triplicates using spoons if sand was collected and sampling cores tools for soil. Samples have been stored at -20C for 3 months and t using the extraction technique by Temple et al, 2019 with Acetonitrile and water explosives residues have been analysed (always in triplicates).
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    RDX behaviour during laboratory-scale low confinement test
    (Cranfield University, 2018-03-15 13:53) Galante, Erick; Mai, Nathalie; Ladyman, Melissa; Gill, Philip; Temple, Tracey
    Video recorded during a laboratory-scaled explosiveness test, in which a 10mg sample of RDX was heated (43ºC/min) within a sealed 10mL headspace vial
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    Simulation of transportation of 2,4-dinitroanilisole (DNAN); 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO); and nitro-guanidine (NQ) through soil using Hydrus 1D
    (Cranfield University, 2017-12-11 14:52) Galante, Erick; Mai, Nathalie; Ladyman, Melissa; Gill, Philip; Temple, Tracey
    Continuous training on military ranges with ammunition filled with TNT-based compositions has caused environmental contamination over decades. These ranges may now require remediation for range sustainability, which is expensive, time-consuming, and can compromise use. Due to increased environmental awareness society expects a preemptive approach for on-going management of military training ranges to minimize damage to the environment. Regarding TNT-based compositions it is possible to estimate likely contamination issues from historical data. However, TNT-based compositions are being replaced by new formulations designed to be less sensitive to accidental insult. A very promising alternative to TNT is 2,4-dinitroanilisole (DNAN), a melt-castable energetic material that has been successfully used as binding agent in some insensitive high explosive (IHE) formulation. For example, when combined with 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) and nitro-guanidine (NQ) in IMX-101. However, from an environmental point of view, the lack of historical data on how these materials impact the environmental might compromise training capability and disposal procedures in years to come. To contribute to this area of knowledge, we simulated the dispersion of chemicals through soil using Hydrus-1D, which is a modelling tool for analysis of water flow and solute transport. Primary data was generated by soil column experiments that were artificially spiked with Insensitive High Explosives materials DNAN; NTO; and NQ. The primary aim of the research was to determine whether Hydrus-1D, can be used to predict environmental contamination on military training ranges.