BLACK SANDS OF IWO JIMA: LEVERAGING THE PAST TO IMPROVE MODERN WARFARE

This paper investigates heavy metal soil contamination on Iwo Jima's Invasion Beach, a historically significant WWII battleground known for its distinctive black volcanic sand. Despite the common practice of collecting this sand as war mementos there has been limited research on the heavy metal composition of the beach and the possible contamination risks associated. The study aims to provide a thorough understanding of the environmental impacts of military operations on soil quality, particularly focusing on the effects of conventional weaponry used during WWII. It includes a detailed review of existing scientific literature on volcanic sands and analyzes heavy metal concentrations in soil samples from war-impacted areas, including five soil samples and artillery debris from Iwo Jima. The findings reveal that soil from Invasion Beach has significantly higher concentrations of heavy metals like Pb, Hg, and Zn compared to areas not affected by warfare. This elevation is attributed to the intensive military activities and the types of munitions deployed during the war. The paper underscores the critical need for adopting more environmentally friendly military technologies to reduce the ecological impact of warfare and safeguard the environment for future generations. It calls for further research and the development of sustainable alternatives, such as biodegradable ammunition.