<p>The US Army is planning to use biodegradable bullets loaded with special seeds that sprout into plants which can eliminate ammunition debris and contaminants, reducing soil pollution in training grounds.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Spent shells litter US Army training facilities around the world as there is no efficient way to clean them up.<br /><br />The shells, which contain metal and other chemicals, can rust and pollute soils and groundwater.<br /><br />The US Department of Defense (DoD) are soliciting proposals for biodegradable bullets loaded with seeds to grow environmentally beneficial plants that eliminate ammunition debris and contaminants.<br /><br />According to the request for proposal, the US Army Corps of Engineers' Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory has already developed and tested seeds that can be embedded into a biodegradable composite.<br /><br />They have been bioengineered to only germinate after they have been in the ground for several months, 'Seeker' reported.<br /><br />Proposals are being solicited until February 8, after which the chosen contractors will produce the biodegradable bullets as part of a three-phase process.<br /><br />In phase one, the contractor will focus on making 40 mm to 120 mm training rounds.<br />Phase II includes developing a prototype and the means to manufacture it and phase III has the biodegradable round transitioning to use at the Army training facilities.<br /><br />The plants that grow from the seeds could also help remove soil contaminants or feed local wildlife.<br /><br />According to the proposal, "animals should be able to consume the plants without any ill effects." <br /></p>
<p>The US Army is planning to use biodegradable bullets loaded with special seeds that sprout into plants which can eliminate ammunition debris and contaminants, reducing soil pollution in training grounds.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Spent shells litter US Army training facilities around the world as there is no efficient way to clean them up.<br /><br />The shells, which contain metal and other chemicals, can rust and pollute soils and groundwater.<br /><br />The US Department of Defense (DoD) are soliciting proposals for biodegradable bullets loaded with seeds to grow environmentally beneficial plants that eliminate ammunition debris and contaminants.<br /><br />According to the request for proposal, the US Army Corps of Engineers' Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory has already developed and tested seeds that can be embedded into a biodegradable composite.<br /><br />They have been bioengineered to only germinate after they have been in the ground for several months, 'Seeker' reported.<br /><br />Proposals are being solicited until February 8, after which the chosen contractors will produce the biodegradable bullets as part of a three-phase process.<br /><br />In phase one, the contractor will focus on making 40 mm to 120 mm training rounds.<br />Phase II includes developing a prototype and the means to manufacture it and phase III has the biodegradable round transitioning to use at the Army training facilities.<br /><br />The plants that grow from the seeds could also help remove soil contaminants or feed local wildlife.<br /><br />According to the proposal, "animals should be able to consume the plants without any ill effects." <br /></p>