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Title: Characterization of oxidation products of TNT metabolism in aquatic phytoremediation systems of Myriophyllum aquaticum

Journal Article · · Environmental Science and Technology
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es990436i· OSTI ID:20014649

TNT transformation processes in sediment-free, natural, aquatic phytoremediation systems of Myriophyllum aquaticum were investigated with specific interest in oxidation products. Extraction procedures combining liquid-liquid extractions and solid-phase extractions were developed for the isolation of the mostly acidic, oxidized TNT metabolites. Six compounds unique from the reduction products of TNT were isolated and characterized by UV-vis, {sup 1}H, and {sup 13}C NMR spectroscopy, by mass spectroscopy, and by chemical synthesis where feasible. These compounds include 2-amino-4,6-dinitrobenzoic acid, 2,4-dinitro-6-hydroxyl-benzyl alcohol, 2-N-acetoxyamino-4,6-dinitrobenzaldehyde, 2,4-dinitro-6,hydroxytoluene, and two binuclear metabolites unique from the customary azoxytetranitrotoluenes. The monoaryl compounds show clear evidence of oxidative transformations, methyl oxidation and/or aromatic hydroxylation. It is possible that oxidative transformation(s) preceded nitro reduction since studies on exposure of M. aquaticum to either 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene or 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene did not yield any of the oxidation products identified here. The accumulation of oxidation products was significant: 2-amino-4,6-dinitrobenzoic acid, 4.4%; 2,4-dinitro-6-hydroxy-benzyl alcohol, 8.1%; 2-N-acetoxyamino-4,6-dinitrobenzaldehyde, 7.8%; and, 2,4-dinitro-6-hydroxytoluene, 15.6%. The binuclear metabolites accounted for an estimated 5.6%. This study is the first direct evidence for oxidative transformations in aquatic phytoremediation systems.

Research Organization:
Rice Univ., Houston, TX (US)
OSTI ID:
20014649
Journal Information:
Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 33, Issue 19; Other Information: PBD: 1 Oct 1999; ISSN 0013-936X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English