TITLE:
Immobilization of TNT and RDX Explosives from Contaminated Soil at Demining Sites in Amuru District, Northern Uganda, Using Rice Husk Biochar
AUTHORS:
Jimmy Ocaya, Beatrice Arwenyo, Acaye Ongwech, Proscovia Nnamuyomba, Harriet Angwech, Silvia Awor, David Kanis, Moses Kigozi, Jaffar Kisitu
KEYWORDS:
LIQUID Chromatography, Soil Remediation, Bioavailability, Anaerobic Pyrolysis
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.13 No.11,
November
17,
2025
ABSTRACT: The study investigated using rice husk biochar (RHB) to immobilize TNT and RDX explosives in soil at demining sites in Amuru District, Uganda. RHB produced via pyrolysis at 550˚C was applied at a rate of 5% w/w to soil samples spiked at 50 µg∙g−1 RDX or TNT. The Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) analysis showed that the RHB immobilized 56% - 67% of RDX and 55% - 69% of TNT. The biochar’s porous structure and surface functional groups facilitated the explosive adsorption, reducing bioavailability. This demonstrates RHB’s effectiveness as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective remediation strategy.