Accession Number:

ADA061610

Title:

Study of Biodegradation of Hexamethylenetetramine.

Descriptive Note:

Technical rept.,

Corporate Author:

ARMY DUGWAY PROVING GROUND UTAH

Personal Author(s):

• Choules,G. Lew
• Adams,A. Paul

Report Date:

1978-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

20.0

Abstract:

In this study, efforts were made to biologically degrade hexamethylenetramine hexamine. Initially, sewage organisms were grown aerobically in tanks containing 150 parts per million ppm hexamine as the only carbon and nitrogen source. Media flow was 1 literhour lhr. The biological floc appeared active for a time but died out and disappeared within 7 days. Attempt to isolate hexamine degrading organisms from the influent and effluent line failed. Upward flow columns were prepared, filled with fine gravel, and inoculated with various sewage organisms. Hexamine media concentrations 150 to 600 ppm, stop and go flows, various intensities of bubbling and the presence of formaldehyde degrading organisms were tested. Samples were taken from the columns at various times, and pure cultures isolated and culture selection methods applied. At various times during these procedures the hexamine concentration would drop 15 percent to 25 percent below the initial media concentration, but results were not consistent. Although many efforts were made to optimize conditions, only a small degradation of hexamine was obtained. It is concluded that the test organisms may have had incomplete ability to attack the hexamine molecule and only degraded naturally occurring partially-hydrolysed molecules of hexamine. Author

Descriptors:

• *LIQUID WASTES
• *BIODETERIORATION
• *HEXAMINES
• BACTERIA
• WASTE DISPOSAL
• ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
• HYDROLYSIS
• AEROBIC PROCESSES
• CULTURES(BIOLOGY)
• SEWAGE

Subject Categories:

• Biochemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Water Pollution and Control

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE