Base-Induced 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene Transformation, Titration Studies

Abstract

The removal of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) from solution by the addition of a base, sodium hydroxide (NaOH), was examined. TNT solutions were titrated to determine the required hydroxide concentration for the removal of TNT from solutions to proceed. It was found that the pH required for removal of half the TNT was 10.9 +/- 0.18 with an empirical coefficient of 0.16 +/- 0.11. A parametric analysis was performed, and the model was determined not to be sensitive with respect to the empirical coefficient. This study found a near-instant removal of TNT when the pH of the solution was increased above 11. Several unidentified compounds were formed sequentially. The sequence of these unidentified compounds appears to indicate an increase in their polarity. The addition of NaOH resulted in a reduction in the acute toxicity of TNT solutions based on Microtox(registered) tests with Vibrio fischeri.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA394461

Entities

People

  • David D. Ringelberg
  • Deborah R. Felt
  • Jeffrey D. Davis
  • Lance D. Hansen

Organizations

  • Engineer Research and Development Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Buffers (Chemistry)
  • Chemical Analysis
  • Chemical Kinetics
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Ecology
  • Ecotoxicology
  • Engineering
  • Environment
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Environmental Protection
  • Explosives
  • Fungi
  • Health Services
  • Hydroxides
  • Materials
  • Sodium Hydroxide

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