TNT Biodegradation by Natural Microbial Assemblages at Estuarine Frontal Boundaries
Abstract
This limited scope project primarily focused on whether estuarine transition zones (e.g., fronts, convergences, salt wedges) are sites of enhanced 2,4,6, Trinitrotoluene (TNT) mineralization, bacterial metabolism and degradation of aromatic organic matter. Evidence was gathered to determine what biogeochemical features of these transition zones may contribute to such differences. Criteria for success of this investigation included measuring elevated rates of TNT mineralization and bacterial growth in mixing zones between water masses. We found evidence that these water mass interfaces are sites of enhanced bacterial metabolism and TNT mineralization when examining salt wedges, a frontal boundary, and mixing experiments between freshwater and marine end members. The major outcome of this SEED project was a demonstration that energetics, such as TNT, are readily degraded by natural bacterial populations in estuarine and coastal environments that receive substantial terrestrial runoff rich in natural aromatic organic matter.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 02, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA565450
Entities
People
- Christopher L Osburn
- Michael T. Montgomery
- Rchard B. Coffin
- Thomas J. Boyd
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory