Modelling of pollution with lead in shooting ranges of Gaižiūnai military ground

Abstract

Shooting ranges at the largest Lithuanian military grounds are exploited. These grounds were established more than 100 years ago. The main purpose of this work is to present a pollution migration forecast at a selected prototype, the Gaižiunai' Military Ground, using modelling software. The study metal was lead, i. e. the main compound of old-standard bullets and explosive charges. The simulation relies on the experimental data obtained during complex investigations performed in one of the Lithuanian military grounds. Considering a lead level about 27% higher than the background, one of the small shooting ranges in Gaiziunai Military Ground was chosen as a prototype for simulation. The aim of the modeling was to simulate pollutant dispersion in areas exploited over a long period of time for military needs, relying on experiential data. In such areas, soil is continually polluted with relatively small amounts of pollutants. Thus, it was a challenge to determine the initial modelling conditions, due to the uncertainties in the load per hour, day, and year. Modelling results allowed making conclusions about the vertical and horizontal dispersion of the pollutant, estimating the risk to groundwater caused by heavy metal pollution.