Determination of Explosives in Soil and Water Samples (ALS Global)

Detecting and analyzing explosives is a crucial aspect of forensic, environmental, and security work. ALS Laboratories has developed and accredited analytical techniques capable of identifying and quantifying nearly 20 explosive compounds in both soil and water samples.

Analyzing explosive residues in soil is vital for environmental protection and sustainable land management. It helps prevent contamination of soil and groundwater, safeguards ecosystems and human health, and supports regulatory compliance, site remediation, and long-term monitoring. Additionally, explosives analysis provides essential information for forensic investigations, agricultural assessments, and risk evaluation in property transactions or redevelopment projects involving potentially contaminated land.

Building on our accredited soil analysis procedures, ALS Laboratories now also offers comprehensive identification and quantification of explosives in water samples. Our analytical portfolio includes methods for determining nitroaromatics, nitramines, and related compounds in accordance with internationally recognized standards such as US EPA 8330B, EN ISO 22478, and ISO 11916-1.

List of target analytes for their determination in water and soil

• Octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine — HMX / Oktogen; CAS: 2691-41-0
• Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine — RDX / Hexogen; CAS: 121-82-4
• 1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene — 1,3,5-TNB; CAS: 99-35-4
• 1,3-Dinitrobenzene — 1,3-DNB; CAS: 99-65-0
• Methyl-2,4,6-trinitrophenyl-nitramine — Tetryl / CE; CAS: 479-45-8
• Nitrobenzene — NB; CAS: 98-95-3
• 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene — 2,4,6-TNT; CAS: 118-96-7
• 4-Amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene — 4-Am-DNT; CAS: 19406-51-0
• 2-Amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene — 2-Am-DNT; CAS: 35572-78-2
• 2,4-Dinitrotoluene — 2,4-DNT; CAS: 121-14-2
• 2,6-Dinitrotoluene — 2,6-DNT; CAS: 606-20-2
• 2-Nitrotoluene — 2-NT; CAS: 88-72-2
• 3-Nitrotoluene — 3-NT; CAS: 99-08-1
• 4-Nitrotoluene — 4-NT; CAS: 99-99-0
• Nitroglycerin (glycerol trinitrate) — NG; CAS: 55-63-0
• Pentaerythritol tetranitrate — PETN; CAS: 78-11-5
• 3,5-Dinitroaniline — 3,5-DNA; CAS: 618-87-1
• Diphenylamine — DPA / Dpha; CAS: 122-39-4
• N-nitrosodiphenylamine — NDPhA; CAS: 86-30-6

The detection of explosives in water is essential for the protection of ecosystems and public health. It enables early identification of contamination in both surface and groundwater, supports the development of effective remediation strategies, and provides a scientific basis for informed decision-making in water resource management. Certain substances, such as RDX and 2,4-DNT, are considered high-risk contaminants—our initial tests have revealed RDX concentrations of several tens of μg/L in water samples.

Contact our experienced Client Service!

• +420 226 226 228
• [email protected]
• alsglobal.eu

ALS Global: Analysis of explosives in environment

Article: EnviroMail™28 / Europe: Modern Analytical Methods for Tracing Explosives in the Environment