Sequential anaerobic-aerobic degradation of munitions waste

Biotechnol Lett. 2009 Jan;31(1):65-9. doi: 10.1007/s10529-008-9828-9. Epub 2008 Sep 9.

Abstract

A sequential anaerobic-aerobic biodegradation of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) was studied. The results demonstrated that: (i) a complete degradation of RDX was achieved within 20 days using a consortium of bacteria from a wastewater activated sludge, (ii) RDX degradation did not occur under aerobic conditions alone, (iii) RDX-degrading bacterial strain that was isolated from the activated sludge completely degraded RDX within 2 days, and (iv) RDX- induced protein expressions were observed in the RDX-degrading bacterial strain. Based on fatty acid composition and a confirmation with a 16S rRNA analysis, the RDX-degrading bacterial strain was identified as a Bacillus pumilus-GC subgroup B.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aerobiosis
  • Anaerobiosis
  • Bacillus / metabolism*
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Explosive Agents / metabolism*
  • Hazardous Waste*
  • Sewage
  • Triazines / metabolism
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Explosive Agents
  • Hazardous Waste
  • Sewage
  • Triazines
  • cyclonite