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Environmental assessment of explosives in soil samples

May 27, 2025

Dear customers,

we would like to inform you about a newly accredited procedure for the identification of explosives in soil samples. 

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

Analyzing explosive residues in soils is crucial for environmental protection, as it helps prevent contamination of soil and groundwater, safeguarding ecosystems and human health. Results can support regulatory compliance, site remediation, or long-term monitoring. Additionally, explosives analysis is important for forensic investigations, assessing agricultural impacts, and determining liability and risks in property transactions or redevelopment projects involving potentially contaminated land.

Analyte Abbreviation Limit
of Reporting
(LOR; mg/kg)
Octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine HMX 0.2
Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine RDX 0.2
1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene 1,3,5-TNB 0.2
1,3-Dinitrobenzene 1,3-DNB 0.2
Methyl-2,4,6-trinitrophenylnitramine Tetryl 0.2
Nitrobenzene NB 0.2
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene 2,4,6-TNT 0.2
4-Amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene 4-Am-DNT 0.2
2-Amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene 2-Am-DNT 0.2
2,4-Dinitrotoluene 2,4,-DNT 0.2
2,6-Dinitrotoluene 2,6-DNT 0.2
2-Nitrotoluene 2-NT 0.2
3-Nitrotoluene 3-NT 0.2
4-Nitrotoluene 4-NT 0.2
Nitroglycerin NG 1
Pentaerythritol tetranitrate PETN 1
3,5-Dinitroaniline 3,5-DNA 0.2
N-Nitrosodiphenylamine N-DPA 0.2
Diphenylamine DPA 0.2
ALS method meets the requirements of the U.S. EPA. 2006.
„Method 8330B (SW-846): Nitroaromatics, Nitramines, and Nitrate Esters by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC),“
Revision 2. Washington, DC.
  • Container type: a dark or opaque (non-transparent) plastic sample container or plastic bag (to avoid decomposition light-sensitive target compounds)
  • Requested amount of sample: 200g
  • Standard TAT*: 10 – 14 days
  • Express analysis*: Not available

* Longer TAT and the unavailability of express analyses are caused by drying the sample at laboratory temperature, which is necessary for proper sample preparation and cannot be shortened.

Contact our experienced Client Service!

Download the leaflet Environmental assessment of explosives in soil samples