ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF CLUSTER MARKER MUNITION RESIDUE

摘要

A marker system is being developed for use in conjunction with cluster munitions. Development tests will include burning of the marker in several types of terrain. Since an ecological impact on the test sites and the surrounding area was considered possible, bioassays were performed to determine the gross effects of the marker residue on selected plants, fish, microorganisms, and mammals. The results of the bioassays indicate no gross toxicological effects on these plants, fish, or mammals. A transient bacteriocidal effect, with subsequent inhibition of growth, was noted with soil microorganisms, but the cultures recovered in a few hours. The cluster marker residue, therefore, does not seem to pose an environmental problem. (Author)