Accession Number:

ADA608239

Title:

Biodegradation of RDX by Stimulating Humic Substance- and Fe(III) - Reduction

Descriptive Note:

Draft final rept. Jun 2004-Jun 2007

Corporate Author:

ILLINOIS UNIV AT URBANA DEPT OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

Personal Author(s):

• Finneran, Kevin T.
• Kwon, Man-Jae
• Drew, Scott R.

Report Date:

2007-06-19

Pagination or Media Count:

72.0

Abstract:

The project demonstrated that extracellular electron shuttling compounds and FeIIIreduction are critical microbially-mediated processes for the biodegradation of the cyclic nitramine compound RDX. Electron shuttles are compounds that promote electron transfer between cells and alternate, extracellular electron acceptors. All electron shuttles increase the rate and extent of FeIIIreduction however, until this study, it was unknown whether these molecules could also stimulate RDX reduction and subsequent biodegradation steps. In addition to the electron shuttling data, this study demonstrated that FeIII reduction and FeIIIreducing microorganisms are most likely the dominant process and microbial community, respectively, for complete degradation of RDX in contaminated environments. The project was the first to demonstrate electron shuttle mediated RDX and HMX biodegradation and this strategy serves as the foundation for the future development of technology for the in situ or ex situ biodegradation of RDX.

Descriptors:

• *BIODEGRADATION
• *RDX
• AQUIFERS
• CELLS(BIOLOGY)
• ELECTRON TRANSFER
• ELECTRONS
• IRON
• REDUCTION
• SAMPLING

Subject Categories:

• Biochemistry
• Ammunition and Explosives
• Water Pollution and Control

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE