Lead (Pb) in Shooting Range Soil: a Systematic Literature Review of Contaminant Behavior, Risk Assessment, and Remediation Options

Activities in shooting ranges can cause chemical disturbances in the soil due to the constituents of ammunition, such as lead (Pb). Ecological and human risks are expected in these sites due to the high toxicity, abundance, and persistency of Pb in the soil. Effects in growth, reproducibility, and water absorption are examples of how Pb can affect terrestrial plants. Ingestion or inhalation of Pb-contaminated soil particles can cause respiratory problems, infertility or convulsion, for example, depending on the level of exposure. Children are the most susceptible to adverse health effects, such as behavioral and neurological disturbances. A systematic literature review (SLR) study was conducted to evaluate and discuss the main subjects involving soil contamination by Pb in outdoor shooting ranges. Based on the 31 papers selected, relevant aspects of the risk assessment methodologies and remediation options were presented. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time this topic has been approached through a SLR. 23 documents were used as support literature. Overall, studies that perform speciation analyses of Pb in soil are more indicated to assess ecological and human risk since the contaminant bioavailability is better evaluated. However, only laboratory studies were conducted in the papers analyzed in this SLR to investigate the remediation options for shooting range contamination. There is a lack of pilot-scale data in the literature.