Analysis of CL-20 in Environmental Matrices: Water and Soil

The determination of new explosive formulations in environmental matrices is necessary for understanding both the environmental threat these compounds present and the effectiveness of remediation technologies for the treatment of contaminated soils and waters. Analytical techniques for the detection of 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazatetracyclo5 .5.0.05,9.03,11dodecane CL-20 in water and soil have been developed. Methods traditionally utilized for the analysis of nitroaromatics were adapted for the determination of CL-20, a cage-like explosive compound. The contaminant of interest is thermally labile, exhibits high polarity, and has low solubility in water. These constraints make the use of specialized sample handling, preparation, extraction, and analysis necessary. The ability to determine the concentrations of this new explosive compound in environmental matrices is helpful in developing remediation technologies and understanding the fate and effects of CL-20 in the environment. The new method will aid in understanding the physical, chemical, and biological fate of CL-20 once released to the environment. Should it be necessary, the method can be used in developing remediation technology and determining the efficiency of these technologies. The method will aid in modeling the toxicological effects of CL-20. The toxicity and mobility of new explosives in soil and groundwater is also of interest, and analytical techniques for quantifying CL-20 and its degradation products in soil and natural waters make these investigations possible. High performance liquid chromatography HPLC equipment has been used to separate the compounds produced by the degradation of the cage compound CL-20. HPLC methodology was employed to investigate and develop sample preparation and techniques for analysis of CL-20 in varying matrices.