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

摘要

The project demonstrated that extracellular electron shuttling compounds and Fe(III)reduction 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 Fe(III)reduction; 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 Fe(III) reduction and Fe(III)reducing 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.