Installation Restoration Research Program. Alternative Methods for BiologicalDestruction of TNT: A Preliminary Feasibility Assessment of Enzymatic Degradation

摘要

The ability of a nitrate reductase enzyme extracted from pond sediment toremediate soils contaminated with low levels of TNT was evaluated. The enzyme extract was found to reduce TNT levels in four of the six soils examined over a 35-day incubation period. With more extensive incubation, treatments containing the enzyme extract significantly reduced TNT levels in highly contaminated soils as well. Based on monoclonal antibody investigations of the pond sediment, a stonewort (Nitella sp.) was found to be the source of the nitrate reductase enzyme found in the sediment. Samples of the stonewort were collected and used to treat the same six soils. Stonewort was effective in reducing the TNT concentrations in all six soils. Based on this work, use of the nitrate reductase in highly concentrated form may be effective for treating low to highly contaminated soils in bioreactors. However, to obtain sufficient enzyme for this purpose, the gene responsible for enzyme production will need to be cloned into a rapidly growing microorganism. Use of intact stonewort plant material will be an effective treatment for in situ bioremediation. 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene, Nitrate reductase, Enzyme, Stonewort, Explosive.