Which of the following is an environmental impact of UXO?

The correct response highlights soil and water contamination as a significant environmental impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO). When munitions fail to detonate and remain in the environment, they can degrade over time, releasing harmful substances such as heavy metals, explosive residues, and other toxic compounds into the soil and surrounding water bodies. This contamination poses serious risks to ecosystems, human health, and local communities. The presence of explosive materials can also lead to long-term ecological changes, as contaminated sites become hazardous for both plant and animal life.

Other potential impacts, such as erosion of soil, depletion of resources, and wildlife migration patterns, may occur as secondary effects from broader environmental degradation or land use changes, but the direct link between UXO and soil and water contamination is well documented and critical to understand in the context of managing and mitigating the dangers of unexploded ordnance. This knowledge underscores the importance of addressing UXO not only from a safety perspective but also considering the environmental implications of such hazards.