Battlefield environments

Tomes JA, Opstad AM, Johnsen BA. 1991. Use of solid-phase extraction in determination of chemical warfare agents. Part IE Determination of chemical warfare agents in samples from a battlefield environment. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 44(4) 227-232. 

The authors thank Vera Rosenbush for useM discussions. This work was partially supported by INTAS grant 2000-0792, the TechBase Program on Chemical and Biological Defense, and by the Battlefield Environment Directorate under the auspices of the U.S. Army Research Office Scientific Services Program administered by Battelle (Dehveiy Order 291, Contract. No. DAAD19-02-D-0001). 

VOCs are present in the atmosphere as a result of (1) decorative materials and dry cleaning solvents in indoor environments, and/or (2) industrial, agricultural, and biological processes in outdoor environments. VOCs are also present in battlefield situations. Moore et al. [9] briefly reported the contamination effect of benzene present in a battlefield environment [9] Hui et al. systematically studied the effect of toluene in the air stream. 

Preliminary studies conducted by the author indicate that silicon-based DMFC fuel cells (Figure 3.10) seem to be free from most of the problems associated with PEM-based DMFC devices. The studies further indicate that silicon-based DMFC devices are capable of providing higher power densities with liquid electrolytes and badly wanted portability, particularly in battlefield environments. One can achieve a larger reaction zone with a liquid electrolyte, which will yield higher power densities over PEM-based devices. These fuel cells could also use suitable oxidants, and the devices can be manufactured with lower costs and higher reliability. Typical power output levels available from PEM-based and silicon-based DMFC devices as a function of fuel cell surface area are summarized in Table 3.6. 

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