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Characterization of M4 Carbine Rifle Emissions With Three Ammunition Types
Citation:
Aurell, J., A. Holder, B. Gullett, K. McNesby, AND J. Weinstein. Characterization of M4 Carbine Rifle Emissions With Three Ammunition Types. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, 254(A):112982, (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.112982
Impact/Purpose:
It was the purpose of this paper to document unique methods and data to characterize emissions from gun firing. This emission factor information can be used for inventories, to assess human exposure, and to understand environmental deposition risk. Methods were developed to distinguish between bullet types/compositions.
Description:
Emissions from firing an M4 carbine rifle were characterized for an array of compounds to provide quantitative data for future studies on potential inhalation exposure and rangeland contamination. Barrel emissions were characterized for particulate matter (PM) size distribution, composition, and morphology; carbon monoxide (CO); carbon dioxide (CO2); energetics; metals; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; and methane. Three types of ammunition were used: a “Legacy” (Vietnam-era) round, the common M855 round (no longer fielded), and its variant, an M855 round with added potassium (K)-based salts to reduce muzzle flash. Average CO concentrations up to 1500 ppm significantly exceeded CO2 concentrations. Emitted particles were in the respirable size range with mass median diameters between 0.33 and 0.58 μm. PM emissions were highest from the M855 salt-added ammunition, likely due to incomplete secondary combustion in the muzzle blast caused by scavenging of combustion radicals by the K salt. Copper (Cu) had the highest emitted metal concentration for all three round formulations, likely originating from the Cu jacket on the bullet. The lead (Pb) in the propellant formulation was completely emitted for all three round types.
URLs/Downloads:
DOI: Characterization of M4 Carbine Rifle Emissions With Three Ammunition Types
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