Analytical Methods for Demilitarization

Problem/Opportunity

The United States is committed by international treaty to dispose of its stored chemical warfare agents (CWAs). Initially, the U.S. Army proposed to dispose of these materials by incineration. In response to questions regarding the incineration process, the Army is investigating alternative technologies for the decommissioning and disposal of CWAs under the Assembled Chemical Weapons Assessment (ACWA) program.

The technologies for disposal of CWAs, all begin with chemical neutralization using a strong caustic solution. Caustic solution causes the rapid hydrolysis of the CWAs to form various degradation products. Analytical methods for the determination of CWAs in caustic solutions needed to be developed and validated.

Approach

Argonne developed analytical methods for the following CWAs: GB, VX, and H (mustard), using different extraction procedures followed by GC/MS analysis. The agents required detection in a range of fluid configurations. Argonne evaluated the range of conditions, developed test matrices, and optimized the methodology. Each method was tailored for the agent and the matrix being sampled. Analytical methods were validated to meet U.S. Army quality assurance requirements. Method detection limits (MDLs) were determined by using

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) procedures. All developed methods were validated, and acceptable MDLs were determined (below 20 mg/L). The testing was performed at the Chemical Agent Munitions Disposal System (CAMDS) facility, located at the U.S. Army Deseret Chemical Depot near Tooele, Utah. The concentration of CWAs in the caustic solution after degradation must be no higher than the Army's drinking water standard (in mg/L). All work was performed at the CAMDS facility laboratory in Utah.

Results

The analytical methods developed and evaluated during this project have become accepted U.S. Army procedures. The methods were used to support the testing of the alternative technologies for the disposal of CWAs. Argonne staff all received medals of appreciation for our contribution to the success of the program.

Future Plans

We are currently anticipating additional funding from the U.S. Army to develop analytical methods to determine the concentration of mercury and other metals in CWAs before demilitarization.