Implementation Guidance for Determining Suitability of Microorganisms for Explosives Degradation
Abstract
This report pulls together past and recently completed research efforts conducted for the 6.1 basic work unit on "Microbiology and Degradation of Explosives." Results are summarized in the form of guidance on the isolation and physiological, biochemical, genetic, and environmental characterization of explosives-degrading microorganisms. Primary emphasis is placed on those microorganisms degrading 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 2,4- and 2,6-dinitrotoluene (2,4- and 2,6-DNT), but microorganisms degrading hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX or cyclonite), and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) are also considered. The first section describes methods used to determine the presence and characteristics of explosives degradation. Topics covered include a method for screening soils for the presence of explosives-degrading activity, application of radiorespirometry to assess the ability of the microorganisms to degrade explosives to (14)CO2 and other products, and extraction and identification of explosives and explosives degradation products in samples from soil and water slurries incubated with explosives. The second section examines procedures used to evaluate the physiological, biochemical, and genetic properties of explosives-degrading microorganisms. Here, procedures used for isolation of these microorganisms are described and the application of modem lipid and nucleic acid technologies for identification of microbial isolates are presented. This section also summarizes the use of physiological and genetic properties to determine the degradation pathways utilized by microbial isolates and groups of isolates. The third section discusses microbial and environmental restrictions on explosives degradation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA366040
Entities
People
- David B. Ringelberg
- Douglas Gunnison
- Edward J. Perkins
- Herbert L. Fredrickson