Challenges to national defence in contemporary geopolitical situation

This study evaluates heavy-metal contamination in soils affected by military activities using training areas as proxies for conflict zones. Soil samples from a shooting range and a grenade range were analyzed using XRF and FAAS after mineralization. High concentrations of Cu, Ni, and Pb were detected, with extreme Pb levels at the shooting range exceeding preventive values. The results support the use of military training sites for developing remediation strategies applicable to war-affected regions. The study provides a relevant proxy-based approach to assess contamination under restricted field conditions and highlights contamination specificity linked to military activities.