Accession Number:

ADA061144

Title:

Biodegradability of TNT: A Three-Year Pilot Plant Study

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.

Corporate Author:

NAVAL SURFACE WEAPONS CENTER WHITE OAK LAB SILVER SPRING MD

Personal Author(s):

• Hoffsommer, J. C.
• Kaplan, L. A.
• Glover, D. J.
• Kubose, D. A.
• Dickinson, C.

Report Date:

1978-02-13

Pagination or Media Count:

70.0

Abstract:

The results of a three-year pilot plant study concerning the biodegradability of aqueous solutions of TNT with the 3,000-gallon NSWC- Oxidation Ditch Facility under a variety of conditions are reported. Best results were obtained with activated sludge microorganisms and supplemental nutrient. Under these conditions, TNT was 97 or - 2 bioreduced on a continual basis with the formation of a combined yield of 12 or - 2 of the corresponding two monoamine and two diamine isomers. Supportive C-14 TNT labeled studies show formation of less than 0.4 14CO2 with the remainder of the C-14 activity about equally distributed between the solid, or bacterial floc, and aqueous phase. The various operation parameters of the Oxidation Ditch are discussed.

Descriptors:

• *TNT
• *BIODETERIORATION
• SOLUTIONS(MIXTURES)
• ISOMERS
• AMINES
• YIELD
• CARBON DIOXIDE
• POLLUTION ABATEMENT
• WATER SOLUBLE MATERIALS
• TEST FACILITIES
• MICROBIOLOGY
• RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPES
• OXIDATION REDUCTION REACTIONS
• MICROORGANISMS
• PILOT PLANTS
• ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS

Subject Categories:

• Microbiology
• Ammunition and Explosives

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE