Engineering and Development Support of General Decon Technology for the DARCOM Installation Restoration Program. Task 6. Adapted/Mutant Biological Treatment. Phase I. Literature Review

The objective of this study was to review and evaluate the available information on microbial degradation of TNT, RDX and 2,4-DNT. Particular emphasis was placed on using adapted or mutant microorganisms for degradation of low concentrations of TNT, RDX and 2,4-DNT in soils and high concentrations of these compounds in sediments. Complete mineralization of 2,4-DNT occurs rapidly in the presence of large mixed populations of microorganisms under aerobic conditions. TNT transformation also occurs under aerobic conditions, however, there is no evidence of ring breakage. RDX degrades slowly or not at all under aerobic conditions. Anaerobic degradation of RDX yields formaldehyde and hydrazine derivatives. Further studies into the use of adapted or mutant microorganisms for degrading TNT and RDX in soils and sediments are not recommended. Composting, however, appears to be a viable alternative for degrading high concentrations of TNT, RDX and 2,4-DNT in sediments. (Author)