Analysis of Wastewater for Organic Compounds Unique to RDX/HMX Manufacturing and Processing

摘要

Sensitive analytical methods were developed for the direct determination of RDX, HMX, TAX, SEX and TNT in wastewater. Reverse Phase HPLC and direct injection of the aqueous sample extended the statistical lower detection limit for each component to less than 65 micrograms/1. RDX, HMX, TAX and SEX were the only nitramines detected in wastewater at the Holston Army Ammunition Plant, and only RDX and HMX were detected in Holston River water one mile below the last plant effluent. Four cyclohexanone-derived compounds were identified as probably constituents of plant wastes; one, or possibly two, of these were found in the Holston River. (Author)