Analysis of water contamination by 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene in areas near military base camps using Solid Phase Micro extraction (SPME) coupled to Fourier Transform Raman spectroscopy A.V. Deshmukh 1 , S. Nyati 2 , N.K. Raghav 2 , A. Pande y 3 ,P.G.Re ddy 4, M S Dahiya 5 1 Department of Forensic Science, Govt. Institute of Forensic Science, Aurangabad (M.S.) 2 Department of Forensic Science, Govt. Institute of Forensic Science, Aurangabad (M.S.) 2 Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, S.N. Medical College Agra (U.P.) 3 Institute of forensic science, Gujarat Forensic Science University, Gandhinagar ( G.J ) 4 Department of Chemistry, Ahmednagar college, Ahmednagar (M.S.) 5 Directorate of Forensic Science, Gandihngar (G.J) 1 avdeshmukhgifsa@gmail.com , 2 shraddha.nyati@gmail.com Abstract - Water pollution has become one of the most alarming signals for deteriorating human as well as animal health. The advancement in military activities near the residential as well as industrial establishment leads to increased incidence of high military explosives such as TNT(2,4,6-trinitrotoluene) in the environment. TNT is dis posed through incineration and detonation and gets accumulated in various water bodies. This paper aims at analysis of various water samples from near military base camps using Solid Phase Micro Extraction and Fourier Transform Raman Spectroscopy. The sample spectrum thus obtained was compared with the standard spectrum database showing high incidence of TNT as a contaminant in water bodies thereby affecting health of individuals’ as well aquatic flora and fauna. Ke y W or ds: 2, 4, 6 trinitrotoluene, environment, FT-Raman spectroscopy I. INTRODUCTION 2, 4, 6 Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a high military explosive extensively used in military and commercial activities including underwater blasting, mining, dyestuffs and as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of photographic chemicals. It is released in environment and contaminates air, water, soil. It is a persistent contaminant poses threat to ecosystem including humans. T N T is released in water through disposal of solid waste, detonation of explosives during military mock drill and commercial blasting activities. Waste water containing 2, 4, 6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in industrial production has caused many serious environmental problems worldwide[1]. Numerous studies confirm that TNT exposure results in anemia, abnormal liver function, enlargement of spleen cataract, allergic reaction of skin etc. The occurrence of urinary tract tumors correlated with intensity of contact with nitro aromatic explosives. The harmless concentration of TNT in soil and water is less than 30mg/kg and 0.14 mg/l respectively. Characterization of TNT in such water samples containing traces is challenge to Forensic Chemists. Solid phase micro extraction has proved its potentiality to recover explosives even at very low concentrations. Numerous research studies on recovery of TNT using C8 sorbent based micro extraction cartridges have shown hundred percent recoveries[2]. Raman spectroscopy is applied for quantification of the explosive in water sample. II. METHODOLOGY A. Requirements 1. 2, 4, 6 Trinitrotoluene -1ug/ ml standard 2. Solid TNT (99.9% purity, Crystalline) 3. Organic solvents - Acetone, Ethyl alcohol, water 4. C8 Solid phase Micro extraction Cartridges