Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • Military activities affect over 2% of global land area, with training and testing causing soil hydraulic property changes, biodiversity decline, and greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating targeted remediation. • • Contamination at military sites includes heavy metals, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), energetic compounds (TNT, RDX, HMX), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), with pollution levels reaching high concentrations in groundwater across multiple countries. • • The study identifies four key research directions: data monitoring and sharing, in-situ remediation for military-civilian integrated combined pollution, green construction of military facilities, and management system optimization, to address unique constraints of military sites. • • Military ecological research faces constraints such as site confidentiality and the complexity of mixed pollutants, requiring tailored technologies and standards distinct from civilian applications.
Abstract
Military ecological and environmental protection is a critical component of national ecological and environmental protection. Military activities and operations, such as training and drills, weapons and equipment testing, and combat, are prone to triggering a series of ecological and environmental problems, including greenhouse gas emissions, deterioration of water resources and water quality, vegetation destruction, land degradation, and typical physical and chemical pollution, which have attracted extensive global attention. This study systematically analyzed the eco-environmental impacts of military activities on multiple environmental media (atmosphere, water, and soil) across different periods, and conducted pollution source tracing in multi-media and representative regions. It reviewed the current status of ecological and environmental protection technologies for the three major environmental media, i.e., atmosphere, water, and soil, and summarized the characteristics and constraints of military ecological and environmental research. Finally, it proposed the research trends and key development directions for military ecological and environmental protection from four dimensions: data monitoring and sharing, research and development of in-situ remediation technologies for military-civilian integrated combined pollution, green construction practices for military facilities, and optimization of management systems.
1. Introduction
Military activities, including training exercises and weapons testing, are increasingly recognized as significant sources of environmental contamination. These activities not only alter soil hydraulic properties and reduce biodiversity but also release greenhouse gases and hazardous substances such as heavy metals, energetic compounds (e.g., TNT, RDX, HMX), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Globally, military training areas occupy over 2% of the Earth's land surface, and contamination has been documented in countries including the United States, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Canada, and Norway. The persistence and mobility of these pollutants through runoff, diffusion, and infiltration pose long-term risks to groundwater, atmospheric quality, and ecosystem health, necessitating urgent research and intervention.
Existing civilian environmental technologies and standards are often inadequate for military contexts due to unique constraints such as site confidentiality, the presence of both conventional and specialized pollutants, and the dual demands of operational readiness and environmental stewardship. This paper systematically reviews the sources and impacts of military activities on air, water, and soil, evaluates current remediation technologies, and identifies critical research gaps. By proposing targeted strategies in monitoring, in-situ remediation, green facility construction, and management, this work aims to bridge the gap between military operational requirements and ecological sustainability, providing a framework for future research and policy development.
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DOU Wenping, HU Zhiyi, LIU Hongrui, ZHOU Lei, WANG Jieliang, YIN Xin'an, GAO Ting, QIU Xintian, LIU Yutong (2026). Analysis and Research Prospects of Military Ecological and Environmental Problems. Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology. https://doi.org/10.13205/j.hjgc.202605006
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary contaminants found at military sites and their typical concentration ranges?
Military sites commonly contain heavy metals, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), energetic compounds such as TNT, RDX, and HMX, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). While specific concentrations vary, studies in the US, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Canada, and Norway have reported contamination levels high enough to require remediation. For instance, groundwater contamination by these compounds has been documented at levels exceeding regulatory standards, though exact figures are not provided in the abstract.
How do military activities impact soil hydraulic properties and what are the implications for remediation?
Military activities such as vehicle movement and explosions can compact soil, reducing porosity and hydraulic conductivity, which alters water infiltration and runoff. This can exacerbate pollutant transport and hinder natural attenuation. Remediation strategies must account for these physical changes, potentially requiring soil aeration or amendment to restore hydraulic function before or during chemical or biological treatment.
What are the main constraints in applying civilian remediation technologies to military sites?
Key constraints include site confidentiality, which limits data sharing and access; the presence of both conventional and military-specific pollutants (e.g., energetic compounds) that may require specialized treatment; and the need to maintain operational readiness, which can restrict remediation timelines and methods. Additionally, military sites often have complex contamination plumes spanning multiple media (soil, water, air), necessitating integrated approaches not typically covered by civilian standards.
What are the proposed research directions for advancing military ecological protection?
The paper proposes four main directions: 1) enhancing data monitoring and sharing to overcome confidentiality barriers; 2) developing in-situ remediation technologies for combined military-civilian pollutants, such as integrated physical-chemical-biological methods; 3) implementing green construction practices for military facilities to minimize environmental footprint; and 4) optimizing management systems to balance operational needs with environmental protection. These aim to create comprehensive strategies for military site restoration.
How does military-civilian integration facilitate environmental protection in military contexts?
Military-civilian integration leverages civilian expertise and technologies while adapting them to military constraints. For example, in-situ remediation technologies developed for industrial sites can be modified to handle energetic compounds and PFAS, with adjustments for security and operational requirements. This collaboration accelerates innovation and ensures that solutions are practical and effective in military settings, as highlighted by the paper's emphasis on this approach.
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