Relative Toxicity of Hydrazine Propellants to a Soil Bacterium

Abstract

The applicability of bacterial systems as an indicator of environmental toxicity was determined by observation of the effect of selected missile propellants on the growth dynamics of a soil microorganism. A soil isolate capable of rapid growth in a mineral salts medium was exposed to various concentrations of the propellants hydrazine (Hz), unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) and monomethylhydrazine (MMH). Growth of the exposed cultures was followed turbidimetrically and compared to unexposed cells. Ten experiments were conducted indicating the order of toxicity to be Hz > MMH > UDMH. The bacterial response was a delay in the onset of log growth, with as little as 0.05 ppm Hz exerting on inhibitory effect. Responses were dose dependent and suggested a two-phased mechanism consisting probably of a bacteriocidal and a bacteriostatic component.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1979
Accession Number
ADA080646

Entities

People

  • Sheldon A. London

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Biomedical Research
  • Cells
  • Chemical Compounds
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Contracts
  • Environment
  • Environmental Pollution
  • Fish
  • Governments
  • Hydrazines
  • Medical Personnel
  • Toxic Hazards
  • Toxicity
  • Turbidity

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Microbial Pathology
  • Rocket Propulsion.