Biodegradation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene using poultry litter leachate

Various micro-organisms are known to degrade 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) through pathways involving intermediates. Addition of nutrients stimulates the biodegradation process. Poultry litter has a consortia of micro-organisms along with many nutrients. The objective was to study the DNT biodegradation using poultry litter in an aqueous medium. Complete biodegradation of 10–50 ppm 2,4-DNT solutions was observed after two days interaction with poultry litter leachate without the formation of any intermediates. No degradation was observed using autoclaved litter leachate.