Assembled Chemical Weapons Assessment (ACWA) Program, Immobilized Cell Bioreactor Toxicity Monitoring
Abstract
Until recently, incineration was the only proven technology, adopted by the U.S. Army, that successfully destroyed chemical agents. However, public opposition to incineration redirected research to evaluate alternative technologies. Through the Alternative Technology Program, the U.S. Army adopted biodegradation as a proven method for destroying the mustard stockpile at Aberdeen Proving Ground. However, research did not address the destruction of mustard when mixed with explosives generated from the destruction of Assembled Chemical Weapons. The Assembled Chemical Weapons Assessment (ACWA) Program was tasked to find alternatives to the incineration/destruction of assembled chemical weapons. The ACWA Program has been evaluating biodegradation to determine if tetrytol (explosive) will disrupt the biodegradation process. Microtox (MTX) assays were used to monitor changes in toxicity due to changes in feed composite. The MTX assay uses a luminescent marine bacteria (vibrio fischeri) that can survive high salt concentrations. When subjected to toxic substances, cellular respiration decreases, resulting in a corresponding decrease in luminescence. Feed and effluent samples were monitored for toxicity using the MTX assays over a 42-day period.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA417394
Entities
People
- Carl W. Kurnas
- Mark A. Guelta
- Mark V. Haley
Organizations
- Edgewood Chemical Biological Center