The US Army plans to use biodegradable bullets on future missions. The military intends to curb the environmental hazard that bullet shells can cause.

Besides being physically hazardous, bullet shells, when left on the ground, can rust and pollute the soil and water because of the harmful chemicals and metal content in them. The proposal for biodegradable bullets by the Department of Defense also includes the idea that these shells will grow into edible plants for animals.

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The bullets will have specially engineered seeds that will grow into trees or plants after months of exposure to soil. The objective is also that as these seeds grow, they will also eliminate the contaminants and ammunition debris around them, making the soil habitable and safe for animals.

Several proposals have been lining up for the said project. There are speculations that the materials to be used could be similar to biodegradable plastic. It is also possible that an entirely new kind of material will be used for the biodegradable bullets.

The US Army Corps of Engineers' Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory has been able to test some early samples. The said proposals will be considered until February 8. Three phases will be used to determine the safety and functionality of these new bullets.

The initial phase of the project would include making bullets which are 40 mm to 120 mm in size. The second phase will then proceed to prototype development and manufacturing, while the last phase will be the transition phase where training facilities will be the first to benefit from this new technology.