Framework for Evaluating the Fate, Transport, and Risks From Conventional Munitions Compounds in Underwater Environments

Abstract

AbstractLegacy underwater munitions may leak munitions constituents and, thereby, contaminate the environment and expose people to energetic compounds. This paper reviews the sources of underwater munitions, how munitions compounds are released, and their fate and transport characteristics. Because some of these energetic compounds and their environmental transformation products are toxic, we also describe the types of data needed to evaluate potential human and ecological risks at underwater munitions sites.