Radial distribution of peroxide, nitrate ester, and nitroaromatic explosive residues in soil following controlled explosions

The distribution of explosive residues in the environment is critical for public safety, contaminant source characterization, and environmental risk assessment. However, the lack of systematic, full-scale empirical data across different explosive types currently limits the development of quantitative sampling protocols. Following 1000 g and 2000 g detonations of five chemically diverse explosives from peroxide, nitrate ester, and nitroaromatic classes, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed a consistent, non-monotonic radial distribution pattern for post-blast soil residues. Independent of intrinsic chemical volatility, all residues exhibited a three-stage spatial profile: a near-center depletion zone driven by thermal degradation, a mid-field accumulation ring, and an exponential far-field decay. Comparative analysis between charge masses demonstrated a shift in deposition dynamics. At 1000 g, incomplete atomization led to an inertia-dominated regime, causing spatial bifurcation between liquid and solid explosives. At 2000 g, intensified shock overpressure induced complete secondary atomization, resulting in spatial convergence. In this case, residues became flow-entrained and peaked within a narrow annular band (105–135 cm). Hopkinson-Cranz scaling and an exponential decay model quantitatively validated these blast-driven transport mechanisms. These findings provide an empirical foundation for optimizing environmental site assessments, suggesting that sampling protocols should target the 1–1.5 m annulus region for optimal contaminant recovery and source evaluation.