Biotreatment of explosive contaminated soils
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec (Canada); and others
The aim of this research was to develop a process which can be employed to remediate 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) contaminated soils. The TNT and RDX degrading ability of microorganisms in municipal activated sludge and anaerobic sludge was evaluated, along with the toxicity of TNT and RDX to the microorganisms under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Biotreatment of TNT and RDX contaminated soils was studied in bioslurry reactors. Microcosm tests were also conducted to see if TNT and RDX removal from the slurry reactor is attributed to a mineralization to CO{sub 2}, and to determine the synergetic or antagonistic effct (if any) of TNT and RDX on the mineralization. Both sludge types were found to be rich sources of RDX degrading organisms. The supplement of anaerobic sludge in bioslurry reactor enhances the biodegradation of TNT and RDX, and leads to complete removal of TNT and RDX from the contaminated soil. Bioslurry reactors may be a cost-effective approach to the on-site bioremediation of soils contaminated with high levels of epxlosives.
- OSTI ID:
- 210372
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9509139--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Screening submersed plant species for phytoremediation of explosives-contaminated groundwater from the Milan Army Ammunition Plant, Milan, Tennessee. Final report
Biodegradation of explosives using a known herbicide degrader