This timely book covers the most recent developments in the chemical detection of explosives in a variety of environments. Beginning with a broad view of the need for and the potential applications of chemical sensing, the book considers the issue of how to effectively include chemical sensing into systems designed to find hidden explosives devices. Offering a firsthand look at the latest technologies direct from those who are actively developing them, the book features: A look at the history of the field, including the contributions of recent programs A brief explanation of the chemistry of various explosives and differences in the place where they may be detected An introduction to the problems presented by trace element sensing An overview and comparison of the technologies currently being used and developed Case studies of field experiences with chemical sensors A look at the emerging threat of non-traditional explosives This book is an important reference for explosives engineers, systems engineers involved in the development of related devices, government agencies and NGOs involved in demining efforts, military and law enforcement specialists in mines and explosive ordinance disposal (EOD), as well as environmental scientists and chemists involved in explosives research. In addition to providing field workers with knowledge that will help them decide where and how to search for explosives using chemical sensors. It will provide them with an understanding of the potential and the limitations of chemical sensing in their search for and identification of dangerous devices.

On-site determination of nitroaromatic, nitramine, and nitrate ester explosives compounds in soils was performed using a field-portable gas chromatograph (GC)equipped with a thermionic ionization detector (TID)selective for compounds with nitro functional groups. Soil samples were extracted with acetone. A 1 microliter volume of the filtered soil extract was manually injected into the GC, allowing for the rapid qualification and quantification of the suite of explosives that often coexist in soils at military training facilities and other defense-related sites. Good agreement was established for the concentrations of several explosives analytes when this method of analysis was compared to either high-performance liquid chromatography (Method 8330)or GC electron capture (Method 8095)analysis. Comparisons were performed for sample extracts and for soil subsample replicates distributed for on-site preparation and analysis during a field verification test performed under the auspices of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Technology Verification (ETV)Program.

Study to identify the quantity and identity of vapors released from buried land mines in order to improve mine detection equipment. It includes DNT, RDX and TNT.

Biological sensors are usually remarkably small, sensitive and efficient. It is highly desirable to design corresponding artificial sensors for scientific, industrial and commercial purposes. This book is designed to fill an urgent need for interdisciplinary exchange between biologists studying sensors in the natural world and engineers and physical scientists developing artificial sensors. The main topics cover mechanical sensors, e.g. waves and sounds, visual sensors and vision and chemosensors. Readers will obtain a fuller understanding of the nature and performance of natural sensors as well as enhanced appreciation for the current status and the potential applicability of artificial microsensors.