Study of the Effects of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) Reactions on Product Mineralization by Activated Sludge
Abstract
Biological mineralization of the products of several 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) reactions was investigated using activated sludge. The NaOH, NaBH4, UV Photocatalysis, and zinc, iron, and H2O2 at high and low pH all enhanced TNT mineralization in comparison to the unreacted TNT control, which was mineralized <1%. Significant correlation was found between mineralization and denitration, suggesting the importance of denitration in facilitating biological attack on the TNT aromatic nucleus aerobically. Using a combination of iron, HCl, and H2O2, TNT was transformed to intermediates that yielded 73.4% conversion of radioactivity to 14CO2. This reaction also mineralize some of the TNT prior to biodegradation. A combination of NaOH and H2O2 did not mineralize TNT chemically, but subsequent biodegradation converted 42.8% of the starting material to CO2. Various combinations of NaOH, NaBH4, and zinc also significantly increased mineralized.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA351832
Entities
People
- Steven P. Harvey
Organizations
- Edgewood Chemical Biological Center