Reduction of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene by Clostridium acetobutylicum through hydroxylamino-nitrotoluene intermediates

Journal Article · Sun Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1998 · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1897/1551-5028(1998)017<0343:ROTBCA>2.3.CO;2· OSTI ID:675451

Hughes, J B; Wang, C Y; Bhadra, R; Richardson, A; Bennett, G N; Rudolph, F B ^[1]

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1. Rice Univ., Houston, TX (United States)

Studies were conducted to isolate and identify intermediates of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) transformation by Clostridium acetobutylicum and to quantify their concentrations in active whole cell cultures. Only two intermediates of TNT reduction were detected in cell cultures and were identified as 4-hydroxylamino-2,6-dinitrotoluene and 2,4-dihydroxylamino-6-nitrotoluene. Structures were confirmed with {sup 1}H-NMR, {sup 13}C-NMR, and desorption chemical ionization mass spectroscopy. When cells were suspended in a non-growth saline medium, both hydroxylamine forms accumulated. In media capable of supporting cell growth, the 2,4-dihydroxylamino-6-nitrotoluene accumulated with concentrations of 4-hydroxylamino-2,6-dinitrotoluene remaining near detection limits. Studies using purified 2,4-dihydroxylamino-6-nitrotoluene confirmed that its biotransformation rate in active cultures greatly exceeded abiotic decomposition in aqueous medium.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 675451
• Journal Information: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 17; ISSN 0730-7268; ISSN ETOCDK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ANAEROBIC CONDITIONS
BIODEGRADATION
CLOSTRIDIUM
REMEDIAL ACTION
SOILS
TNT