Groundwater Chemistry and Microbial Ecology Effects on Explosives Biodegradation
Abstract
The overall goal of this project was to gain a better understanding of the microbial ecology of explosives compound biodegradation in groundwater. Deciphering which organisms are involved with explosives degradation under various in situ conditions could lead to better diagnostic and monitoring tools for bioremediation of energetics based on biomarkers, as well as lead to better conceptual and predictive models. Initially, the scope of this project included most of the major explosive compounds that have been detected in soil and groundwater at military installations ? TNT, RDX, HMX, DNT, etc. However, the scope was narrowed to RDX in the second half of the project because this is the compound of greatest concern in groundwater due to its mobility and recalcitrance. This research coupled chemical analyses to monitor RDX degradation, and developed and applied the molecular techniques of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), and stable isotope probing (SIP) to assess the microbial community. Individual members of the microbial community were identified based on recovered 16S rRNA gene sequences. Through analysis of samples from laboratory enrichments, model aquifers, and actual bioremediation field demonstrations, the following conclusions can be drawn from the data generated during this project: 1) RDX is amenable to biological degradation in groundwater when nutrients are added.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA498866
Entities
People
- Mark E. Fuller
- Robert J. Steffan