Evaluation of Depleted Uranium in the Environment at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland and Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona.

摘要

Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) is approximately 50 kIn northeast of Baltimore, Maryland and is a designated Major Range Test Facility operated by the U.S. Department of Defense. APG is located on approximately 7,000 ha of coastal plain bordering the upper Chesapeake Bay. Since development and testing of weapons and weapon systems is a primary function of APG, about 80 to 85% of the land at APG is dedicated to ballistic test ranges, impact areas, vehicle test tracks, and other test facilities. Armor-piercing penetrators composed of a DU alloy (99.25% DU and 0.75% titanium) have been field-tested at APG for in-flight accuracy since the 1950s. DU has been used in armor-piercing penetrators because of its high density, good mechanical properties, pyrophoric qualities, and relatively low cost. Approximately 70,000 kg of DU has been fired into APG impact areas. Routine recovery of penetrators is both difficult and hazardous because of heavy vegetation and unexploded ordinance at APG. Additionally, penetrators often fragment upon impact while others become buried in marshes. Approximately 20% of the DU fired at APG has been recovered. As a consequence, catch boxes have recently been erected to minimize dispersal of penetrators in the impact areas. Continued testing of DU penetrators will likely result in further accumulation of DU at APG.