Biodegradability of TNT: A Three-Year Pilot Plant Study

Abstract

The results of a three-year pilot plant study concerning the biodegradability of aqueous solutions of TNT with the 3,000-gallon NSWC- Oxidation Ditch Facility under a variety of conditions are reported. Best results were obtained with activated sludge microorganisms and supplemental nutrient. Under these conditions, TNT was 97 + or - 2% bioreduced on a continual basis with the formation of a combined yield of 12 + or - 2% of the corresponding two monoamine and two diamine isomers. Supportive C-14 TNT labeled studies show formation of less than 0.4% 14CO2 with the remainder of the C-14 activity about equally distributed between the solid, or bacterial floc, and aqueous phase. The various operation parameters of the Oxidation Ditch are discussed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 13, 1978
Accession Number
ADA061144

Entities

People

  • C. Dickinson
  • D. A. Kubose
  • D. J. Glover
  • J. C. Hoffsommer
  • L. A. Kaplan

Organizations

  • Naval Ordnance Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aqueous Solutions
  • Bacteria
  • Bioconversion
  • Chemical Analysis
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Protection
  • Explosives
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Materials
  • Microorganisms
  • Munitions
  • New York
  • Nitrogen Compounds
  • Pilot Plants
  • Public Health
  • Waste Water

Readers

  • Agricultural Chemistry/Soil Science
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.