Alkaline Hydrolysis of Resin-Based Combustible Cartridge Case and Application of its Hydrolysate as Crop Fertilizer

Abstract

Disposal of hazardous and toxic waste arising out of combustible cartridge case (CCC)–based explosive munitions is an environmental issue of global concern. A large quantity of CCC waste is disposed of by open burning or detonation because there is no viable waste-disposal technology that is environmentally friendly and is found suitable for bulk treatment available at present. In the present study, the process of alkaline hydrolysis of CCC composition has been studied. It is found that CCCs waste can be suitably treated and neutralized by a simple chemical process (alkaline hydrolysis) that is eco-compliant. It is possible to recover a high proportion of nitrogen (87%) from this waste. The CCC hydrolysate can be suitably used as fertilizer for crop. Pot culture studies carried out using the hydrolysate as a fertilizer on wheat seed and plant give encouraging results of the main crop performance parameters like plant biomass, yield, plant growth, and chlorophyll content.