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Method and compositions for the degradation of tributyl phosphate in chemical waste mixtures

Patent ·
OSTI ID:106696

A method and process are disclosed for the degradation of tributyl phosphate in an organic waste mixture and a biologically pure, novel bacteria culture for accomplishing the same. A newly-discovered bacteria (a strain of Acinetobacter sp. ATCC 55587) is provided which is combined in a reactor vessel with a liquid waste mixture containing tributyl phosphate and one or more organic waste compounds capable of functioning as growth substrates for the bacteria. The bacteria is thereafter allowed to incubate within the waste mixture. As a result, the tributyl phosphate and organic compounds within the waste mixture are metabolized (degraded) by the bacteria, thereby eliminating such materials which are environmentally hazardous. In addition, the bacteria is capable of degrading waste mixtures containing high quantities of tributyl phosphate (e.g. up to about 1.0% by weight tributyl phosphate). 6 figs.

Research Organization:
Lockheed Martin Idaho Tech Co
DOE Contract Number:
AC07-94ID13223
Assignee:
Lockheed Idaho Technologies Co., Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,453,375/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-108,345
OSTI ID:
106696
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English