Physico–chemical Properties, Biological and Environmental Impact of Nb–saponites Catalysts for the Oxidative Degradation of Chemical Warfare Agents

Niobium‐containing saponite clays are active catalysts, under mild ambient conditions and in the presence of aqueous hydrogen peroxide, in the oxidative abatement of sulfur‐containing blister chemical warfare agent simulants, such as (2‐chloroethyl)ethyl sulfide. Over a Nb‐saponite solid, a complete, selective and safe abatement of the chemical agent was attained within 8 h. The biological and environmental impact of the Nb‐containing nanostructured clays used as decontamination solids was assessed by specific rapid biotoxicity tests on bioluminescent bacteria and vegetable plants. No negative impact on the strain of luminescent bacteria was evidenced in terms of acute and chronic toxicity. No adverse effects have been observed on vegetable plants in terms of germination, vigour and induction of chlorophyll fluorescence either. Niobium‐containing saponite clays are successfully used as active catalysts in the oxidative abatement of sulfur‐containing chemical warfare agent simulants, obtaining the complete degradation of the substrate after 8 h. The biological and environmental impact of the Nb‐containing nanostructured clays used as decontamination solids was assessed by specific rapid biotoxicity tests on bioluminescent bacteria and vegetable plants: no negative effects on luminescent bacteria and plants were evidenced.