Solidification/Stabilization of Adamsite and Lewisite in Cement and the Stability of Arylarsenicals in Soil

Abstract

Adamsite 1 (DM) and Lewisite (L) 6 (Figure 1) are two arsenic based toxic chemical agents that are stored in large quantities in some countries in the world. Some of the methods that have been suggested for the destruction of these chemicals are shown in Figure 2 and 3 (1) (some of these are rather speculative: the route to As₂S₃,Figure 3seem a little strange). The routes highlighted in Figure 2 have been adopted by Russian experts for development and field use. The hydrolysis reaction is to be used for Lewisite destruction and the polymerization reactions are likely to be used in the decomposition of Lewisite/Mustard mixtures. Many of the proposed technologies ultimately are faced with the problem of disposal of arsenic. For example, incineration undoubtedly destroys the agent but the arsenic is concentrated as the oxide particulate in the flue gas and must be carefully collected for disposal by other means. This means that a chemical weapons problem still remains an environmental problem.