Impact of TNT explosive and its degradation products on the environment

Abstract

Explosive is a device or substance that, when exposed to heat, shock, friction or detonation, quickly releases a large amount of energy. In the event of a sudden release of energy, there is an increase in temperature and pressure, and the entire explosive material turns into hot compressed gases that spread rapidly and thus produce a pressure wave, i.e. "impact wave". Trinitrotoulene explosive (TNT) is military explosive with wide application, and therefore the largest input of explosives in the environment comes from military activities. Munition used in both military and civilian uses contaminates all parts of the world. TNT is poorly degradable and can be found in low concentrations in soil, surface waters and underground waters. Unfortunately, not only TNT is harmful but also its degradation products. Explosive compounds adversely affect different types of soil, water, plants, animals, and also humans. Impact of explosives contamination degree is different for each living being. The remediation of contaminated areas can be done by various physical, chemical and biological methods.