Activities in shooting ranges can cause chemical disturbances in the soil due to the constituents of ammunition, such as lead (Pb). Ecological and human risks are expected in these sites due to the ...high toxicity, abundance, and persistency of Pb in the soil. Effects in growth, reproducibility, and water absorption are examples of how Pb can affect terrestrial plants. Ingestion or inhalation of Pb-contaminated soil particles can cause respiratory problems, infertility or convulsion, for example, depending on the level of exposure. Children are the most susceptible to adverse health effects, such as behavioral and neurological disturbances. A systematic literature review (SLR) study was conducted to evaluate and discuss the main subjects involving soil contamination by Pb in outdoor shooting ranges. Based on the 31 papers selected, relevant aspects of the risk assessment methodologies and remediation options were presented. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time this topic has been approached through a SLR. 23 documents were used as support literature. Overall, studies that perform speciation analyses of Pb in soil are more indicated to assess ecological and human risk since the contaminant bioavailability is better evaluated. However, only laboratory studies were conducted in the papers analyzed in this SLR to investigate the remediation options for shooting range contamination. There is a lack of pilot-scale data in the literature.
The ever-increasing demands for the use of fiber-optic sensors powered by long optical fibers is forcing developers to solve problems associated with powering these remote sensors. Due to their ...non-electric character, these sensors are suitable for many uses, including military applications. The Army of the Czech Republic is very interested in this type of optical fiber sensor as it fulfils the significant prerequisites for use in military areas. However, the army’s requirements are challenging because they require long supply cables in which there is significant attenuation of optical power. At the same time, there is a need for high sensitivity. The subject of our research team’s work was to use amplifiers to power these sensors. The army already uses this type of sensor for short distances as it cannot ignite a gas mixture with an explosive concentration and thus meet the strict requirements of the explosion-poof standard. The novelty of our research lies in the discovered measurement technique that allows the sensors to be powered remotely and in the saving of optical fibers by utilizing duplex communication with a circulator. Furthermore, the research presents an innovative approach to the optimization of the entire sensor by using a bidirectional, sensory, polarization-maintaining optical fiber. The proposed sensor was first verified in laboratory conditions at the Optoelectronics Laboratory of the University of Defense in Brno, and further tests were carried out in the military training areas of Boletice and Březina in the Czech Republic, which is a member of North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
The contents of selected risk elements (As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sb, Ti, V, Zn), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and n-alkanes were determined in soils collected at the former ...military training base Milovice-Mladá (Czech Republic), where military activities were terminated in 1991. Seventeen soil samples were collected from the former tank shooting range called "Benátecký vrch" (area 16.2 ha) covered with herbaceous vegetation cover. No sample exceeding the threshold limits for maximum permissible limits of risk elements in soil was identified. The contents of organic pollutants in soil also did not pose a potential environmental risk. The risk element contents (especially Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in aboveground biomass of Dactylis glomerata (Poaceae), Hypericum perforatum (Hypericaceae), Galium verum (Rubiaceae), and Plantago lanceolata (Plantaginaceae) sampled close to the soil sampling points indicated, however, potential environmental damage originating from the municipal landfill covering a substantial part of the area since 1995.
The aim of the study was to present the main characteristics of the âGlinkiâ research area together with results of the first measurements on tree number, density, distribution and species ...composition carried out in 2011. The research was conducted in a free-of-forest management part of the ToruÅ military area which is located in one of the biggest inland dune fields of Europe. The âGlinkiâ research area was established in 2011 and consists of two plots (together 26.3 ha), which are in close proximity to each other. After the last fire in 1991, secondary succession has been the main factor shaping vegetation on both plots. For every plot, the location of all trees of at least 1 m height (560 in plot I and 292 in plot II) was determined. These measurements were subjected to spatial analysis in ArcGIS 9.3 with special emphasis on the exposure of the dune slopes. The main tree species on both plots were Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris, and birch, Betula pendula, (82 % and 17 % of all trees respectively). Tree density 20 years after the last fire was very low (32 trees/ha), which mainly resulted from the lack of a sufficient source of seeds in the close vicinity of the plots during the first years after the fire. We also found that tree distribution was related to the main direction of seed inflow and land relief. Tree density was much higher on dune slopes with a northern exposure when compared to other slope exposures, which resulted from different site conditions on the different slopes.
The survey has been carried out in the area of 0.23 km² of the former military underground fuel base. The oil derivative products were observed in excavations and the laboratory tests confirmed the ...occurrence of hydrocarbons (>C12) in soils. The purpose of the survey was to determine the spatial extent of the contamination. The studied area is covered by postglacial sediments: sands, gravels and till. The first water table was observed at a depth of 10-12 m. The detailed electromagnetic measurements with Geonics EM31-MK2 conductivity meter were performed in the whole area of the former fuel base. Obtained results were elaborated statistically and the map of apparent electrical conductivity to a depth of 6 m was created. Many local low conductivity anomalies were observed. The measurements with Geonics EM34-3XL were performed along one A-A' profile and 1D electromagnetic modelling along with this profile was calculated to obtain the electrical conductivity cross-section to a depth of 30 m. Two-dimensional electrical resistivity imaging measurements were carried out along the same profile and the resistivity cross-section to a depth of 20 m was performed. Both conducivity and resistivity cross-sections show anomalous zones. The zones correlate with oil contaminated zones very well.
Wrecked houses, the result of shell-damage, are shown in the suburbs which were part of the French position. A German trench captured by the French is also shown.
The French forces in the Battle of ...Carency (Second Battle of Artois), Western Front, May-June 1915.
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