EVALUATION OF CONTENT OF SELECTED HEAVY METALS IN SOILS OF SHOOTING RANGES

The paper describes analyses of soils taken from open shooting ranges to find pollutants in the form of selected heavy metals. Test samples were taken from closed shooting ranges located in Wloclawek commune. During the investigations the content of following elements was identified: Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, As. The characterization of investigated localizations was also made with evaluation of samples of soils according to the Regulation of the Minister of Environment from 01 September, 2016 on the assessment of ground surface pollution. Studies confirm the relationship occurring between the effects of carried out shooting activities and the degree of accumulation of selected heavy metals elements in the soil of open shooting ranges. Indications show that this is sometimes a very complex issue and if neglected it can cause in the future a serious threat.

Occupational Lead Exposure and Safety Measures at Shooting Ranges: a Systematic Review

Background: Individuals at shooting ranges are exposed to high amount of lead fumes either indoor or outdoor. The shooters sprayed lead dust into the air upon discharge of the cartridge at arm’s length distance. Most of the previous studies conducted at shooting ranges focused on blood lead levels (BLLs) of exposed people and there are limited studies on the risk associated with the shooting of firearms. This study aimed to review previous studies on the hazards associated with the discharge of firearms, and safety measures at shooting ranges. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to explore the available evidence. The databases were searched using the keywords “indoor shooting ranges”, “outdoor shooting ranges”, “firearms shooting”, “lead poisoning hazard”, “blood lead biomarkers”, “permissible exposure limit”, and “safety practice on lead”. Results: The designated BLL for case definition in lead poisoning was between 0.1μg/dL - 0.49μg/dL. It was estimated that at Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). PEL of 0.5μg/m3, 95 percent of range users who are exposed to lead poisoning regularly can have BLL of <5μg/dL during 20 years of working life, while at 2.1μg/m3, 95 percent of the workers can have BLL of<10μg/dL during their working life. Conclusion: To protect firearm handlers and shooting range workers, policy on preventive measures should be implemented at shooting ranges by policymakers. Compliance with preventive measures is encouraged to avoid the high cost of rehabilitation lead poisoning.

Analysis of Options to Reduce Noise Exposure to Shooters on Sport Shooting Ranges

The intensive development of sport shooting and the significant increase in the number of people using sport and recreational shooting ranges also increases the risk of hearing damage to shooters, due to exposure to impulse noise from the shots of firearms. This article discusses the methodology for assessing shooters’ exposure to noise and identifies and extensively discusses possible ways to minimise this exposure. It then describes a research experiment carried out to measure and calculate the effectiveness of noise reduction by means of acoustic silencers when shooting with typical weapons in the most popular sporting and hunting calibres. The experiment also included firing tests with subsonic ammunition. On this basis, conclusions were drawn regarding the possibility of reducing impulse noise during shooting and the possibility of eliminating the risk of hearing damage.

Recent Trends in Sustainable Remediation of Pb-Contaminated Shooting Range Soils: Rethinking Waste Management within a Circular Economy

Soil metal contamination in recreational shooting ranges represents a widespread environmental problem. Lead (Pb) is the primary component of traditional ammunition, followed by metalloids such as antimony (Sb) and arsenic (As). Lead-based bullets and pellets deposited on the soil surface are subject to steady weathering; hence, metal(loid)s are released and accumulated in the underlying soil, with potential adverse consequences for ecosystem function and human health. Amongst the currently available environmentally-safe technologies for the remediation of metal-contaminated soils, chemical immobilization is recognized as the most practical and cost-effective one. This technology often uses inorganic and organic amendments to reduce metal mobility, bioavailability and toxicity (environmental benefits). Likewise, amendments may also promote and speed up the re-establishment of vegetation on metal-affected soils, thus facilitating the conversion of abandoned shooting ranges into public green spaces (social benefit). In line with this, the circular economy paradigm calls for a more sustainable waste management, for instance, by recycling and reusing by-products and wastes in an attempt to reduce the demand for raw materials (economic benefit). The objective of this manuscript is to present a state-of-the-art review of the different industrial and agro-food by-products and wastes used for the remediation of metal-contaminated shooting range soils.