Genetic and Biochemical Analysis of Anaerobic TNT Biodegradation
Abstract
Nitroaromatic compounds are widely used in the synthesis of dyes and munitions and have become common contaminants. The main nitroaromatic contaminant found at various Department of defense facilities is 2,4,6-trinitotoluene (TNT). This project investigated the metabolism of nitroaromatic compounds using cultures of Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC824. The studies included (1) the characterization of products of TNT degradation, (2) investigation of RDX and DNT degradation, (3) analysis of enzymes involved in the reduction of TNT, (4) genetic studies related to TNT degradation. The report describes cloning and expression of two nitroreductases from C. acetobutylicum. TNT transformation of about the same rate was found in strain M5, a mutant of C. acetobutylicum lacking the large plasmid which bears the solvent-producing genes. This confirms the finding that TNT degradation is chromosomally encoded and is largely due to the Fe-hydrogenase. Studies on the purification and expression of this hydrogenase also suggest its importance in TNT degradation. Antisense studies also confirmed this finding. The mutagenicity of several degradation compounds of TNT and DNT was also examined.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 04, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA426205
Entities
People
- G. N. Bennett
- R. Kutty
Organizations
- Army Research Office