Microbial degradation and toxicity of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine

J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2012 Oct;22(10):1311-23. doi: 10.4014/jmb.1203.04002.

Abstract

In the present work, current knowledge on the potential fate, microbial degradation, and toxicity of hexahydro- 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) was thoroughly reviewed, focusing on the toxicological assessment of a variety of potential RDX degradation pathways in bacteria and fungi. The present review on microbial degradation pathways and toxicities of degradation intermediates suggests that, among aerobic RDX degradation pathways, the one via denitration may be preferred in a toxicological perspective, and that among anaerobic pathways, those forming 4- nitro-2,4-diazabutanal (NDAB) via ring cleavage of 1-nitroso- 3,5-dinitro-1,3,5-triazinane (MNX) may be toxicologically advantageous owing to its potential mineralization under partial or complete anoxic conditions. These findings provide important information on RDX-degrading microbial pathways, toxicologically most suitable to be stimulated in contaminated fields.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / metabolism
  • Fungi / metabolism*
  • Nitrates / metabolism
  • Oxygen / metabolism
  • Phylogeny
  • Soil Microbiology*
  • Soil Pollutants / metabolism
  • Toxicity Tests
  • Triazines / metabolism*
  • Triazines / toxicity

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Nitrates
  • Soil Pollutants
  • Triazines
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System
  • Oxygen
  • cyclonite