Toxicologial Study Number 87-3012-95: Evidence for the Chemical Reduction and Binding of TNT During the Composting of Contaminated Soils March 1995 - January 1996.
Abstract
The 2,4,6 isomer of trinitrotoluene (TNT) and its environmental transformation products are the most important munitions-derived pollutants encountered at military installations. Large amounts of TNT were released during manufacturing and demilitarization of ordnance, and the resulting contamination is both toxic and remarkably persistent in soil environments. Remediation of sites contaminated with explosives is required by current statutes, and cleanup criteria have been set from 10 to 200 mg/Kg for TNT. Composting of contaminated soils has the potential of accomplishing the cleanups at lower cost than incineration, but questions remain about the ability of these procedures to effect a 'permanent' solution. While composting is effective in converting TNT to an assortment of other compounds, and in binding these to soil, little if any of the TNT is mineralized. It is known that TNT can be transformed in soil environments, by oxidation of the methyl group and reduction of nitro groups. This report outlines the evidence for the preeminence of reductive metabolism of TNT during composting and the binding of the resultant amino metabolics in the processes that form soil humus.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA324278
Entities
People
- John C. Amos
- Michael A. Major
- Wayne H. Griest
- Winifred G. Palmer
Organizations
- United States Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine