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Wang C, Fuller ME, Murillo-Gelvez J, Rezes RT, Hatzinger PB, Chiu PC, Heraty LJ, Sturchio NC. Carbon and Nitrogen Isotope Fractionations During Biotic and Abiotic Transformations of 2,4-Dinitroanisole (DNAN). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5996-6006. [PMID: 38504451 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
2,4-Dinitroanisole (DNAN) is a main constituent in various new insensitive munition formulations. Although DNAN is susceptible to biotic and abiotic transformations, in many environmental instances, transformation mechanisms are difficult to resolve, distinguish, or apportion on the basis solely of analysis of concentrations. We used compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) to investigate the characteristic isotope fractionations of the biotic (by three microbial consortia and three pure cultures) and abiotic (by 9,10-anthrahydroquinone-2-sulfonic acid [AHQS]) transformations of DNAN. The correlations of isotope enrichment factors (ΛN/C) for biotic transformations had a range of values from 4.93 ± 0.53 to 12.19 ± 1.23, which is entirely distinct from ΛN/C values reported previously for alkaline hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis, reduction by Fe2+-bearing minerals and iron-oxide-bound Fe2+, and UV-driven phototransformations. The ΛN/C value associated with the abiotic reduction by AHQS was 38.76 ± 2.23, within the range of previously reported values for DNAN reduction by Fe2+-bearing minerals and iron-oxide-bound Fe2+, albeit the mean ΛN/C was lower. These results enhance the database of isotope effects accompanying DNAN transformations under environmentally relevant conditions, allowing better evaluation of the extents of biotic and abiotic transformations of DNAN that occur in soils, groundwaters, surface waters, and the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlei Wang
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Mark E Fuller
- Biotechnology Development & Applications Group, APTIM, Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648, United States
| | - Jimmy Murillo-Gelvez
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Rachael T Rezes
- Biotechnology Development & Applications Group, APTIM, Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648, United States
| | - Paul B Hatzinger
- Biotechnology Development & Applications Group, APTIM, Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648, United States
| | - Pei C Chiu
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Linnea J Heraty
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Neil C Sturchio
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
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Fuller ME, Hedman PC, Chu KH, Webster TS, Hatzinger PB. Evaluation of a sequential anaerobic-aerobic membrane bioreactor system for treatment of traditional and insensitive munitions constituents. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 340:139887. [PMID: 37604336 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
New energetic formulations containing insensitive high explosives (IHE), such as 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN), 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole-5-one (NTO), and nitroguanidine (NQ) are being developed to provide safer munitions. The addition of IHE to munitions formulations results in complex wastewaters from explosives manufacturing, load and pour operations and demilitarization activities. New technologies are required to treat those wastewaters. The core objective of this research effort was to develop and optimize a dual anaerobic-aerobic membrane bioreactor (MBR) system for treatment of wastewater containing variable mixtures of traditional energetics, IHE, and anions. The combined system proved highly effective for treatment of traditional explosives (TNT, RDX, HMX), IHE (DNAN, NTO, NQ) and anions commonly used as military oxidants (ClO4-, NO3-). The anaerobic MBR, which was operated for more than 500 d, was observed to completely degrade mg L-1 concentrations of TNT, DNAN, ClO4- and NO3- under all operational conditions, including at the lowest hydraulic residence time (HRT) tested (2.2 d). The combined system generally resulted in complete treatment of mg L-1 concentrations of RDX and HMX to <20 μg L-1, with most of the degradation occurring in the anaerobic MBR and polishing in the aerobic system. No common daughter products of DNAN, TNT, RDX, or HMX were detected in the effluent. NTO was completely transformed in the anaerobic MBR, but residual 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole-5-one (ATO) was detected in system effluent. The ATO rapidly decomposed when bleach solution was added to the final effluent. NQ was initially recalcitrant in the system, but microbial populations eventually developed that could degrade >90% of the ∼10 mg L-1 NQ entering the anaerobic MBR, with the remainder degraded to <50 μg L-1 in the aerobic system. The dual MBR system proved to be capable of complete degradation of a wide mixture of munitions constituents and was resilient to changing influent composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Fuller
- Aptim Federal Services, 17 Princess Road, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648, USA
| | - Paul C Hedman
- Aptim Federal Services, 17 Princess Road, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648, USA
| | - Kung-Hui Chu
- Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Todd S Webster
- Envirogen Technologies, Inc., 9360 Santa Anita Ave., Suite 107, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 91730, USA
| | - Paul B Hatzinger
- Aptim Federal Services, 17 Princess Road, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648, USA.
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Li J, Yang X, Lai JL, Zhang Y, Luo XG, Zhao SP, Zhu YB. Characteristics of RDX degradation and the mechanism of the RDX exposure response in a Klebsiella sp. strain. Biochem Eng J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2021.108174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Wang C, Heraty LJ, Wallace AF, Liu C, Li X, McGovern GP, Horita J, Fuller ME, Hatzinger PB, Sturchio NC. Position-specific isotope effects during alkaline hydrolysis of 2,4-dinitroanisole resolved by compound-specific isotope analysis, 13C NMR, and density-functional theory. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 280:130625. [PMID: 33964759 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA), position-specific isotope analysis (PSIA), and computational modeling (e.g., quantum mechanical models; reactive-transport models) are increasingly being used to monitor and predict biotic and abiotic transformations of organic contaminants in the field. However, identifying the isotope effect(s) associated with a specific transformation remains challenging in many cases. Here, we describe and interpret the position-specific isotope effects of C and N associated with a SN2Ar reaction mechanism by a combination of CSIA and PSIA using quantitative 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, and density-functional theory, using 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN) as a model compound. The position-specific 13C enrichment factor of O-C1 bond at the methoxy group attachment site (εC1) was found to be approximately -41‰, a diagnostic value for transformation of DNAN to its reaction products 2,4-dinitrophenol and methanol. Theoretical kinetic isotope effects calculated for DNAN isotopologues agreed well with the position-specific isotope effects measured by CSIA and PSIA. This combination of measurements and theoretical predictions demonstrates a useful tool for evaluating degradation efficiencies and/or mechanisms of organic contaminants and may promote new and improved applications of isotope analysis in laboratory and field investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlei Wang
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Linnea J Heraty
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Adam F Wallace
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Changjie Liu
- Department of Geosciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Xiaoqiang Li
- Department of Geosciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Gregory P McGovern
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, West Texas A&M University, TX, 79016, USA
| | - Juske Horita
- Department of Geosciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA
| | - Mark E Fuller
- Aptim Federal Services, LLC, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648, USA
| | | | - Neil C Sturchio
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA.
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Wang C, Fuller ME, Heraty LJ, Hatzinger PB, Sturchio NC. Photocatalytic mechanisms of 2,4-dinitroanisole degradation in water deciphered by C and N dual-element isotope fractionation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 411:125109. [PMID: 33858090 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In surface water environments, photodegradation may be an important process for the natural attenuation of 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN). Understanding the photolysis and photocatalysis mechanisms of DNAN is difficult because the photosensitivity of nitro groups and the behavior of DNAN as a potential photosensitizer are unclear in aqueous solutions. Here, we investigate the degradation mechanisms of DNAN under UV-A (λ ~ 350 nm) and UV-C (λ ~ 254 nm) irradiation in a photolysis reactor where aqueous solution was continuously recycled through a UV-irradiated volume from a non-irradiated external reservoir. By tracking C and N isotopic fractionation in DNAN and its reaction products, we observed normal 13C fractionation (εC = -3.34‰) and inverse 15N fractionation (εN = +12.30‰) under UV-A (λ ~ 350 nm) irradiation, in contrast to inverse 13C fractionation (εC = +1.45‰) and normal 15N fractionation (εN = -3.79‰) under UV-C (λ ~ 254 nm) irradiation. These results indicate that DNAN can act as a photosensitizer and may follow a product-to-parent reversion mechanism in surface water environments. The data also indicate that photocatalytic degradation of DNAN in aqueous systems can be monitored via C and N stable isotope analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlei Wang
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
| | - Mark E Fuller
- Aptim Federal Services, LLC, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, USA
| | - Linnea J Heraty
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | | | - Neil C Sturchio
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
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Tong Y, Berens MJ, Ulrich BA, Bolotin J, Strehlau JH, Hofstetter TB, Arnold WA. Exploring the Utility of Compound-Specific Isotope Analysis for Assessing Ferrous Iron-Mediated Reduction of RDX in the Subsurface. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:6752-6763. [PMID: 33900746 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c08420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Subsurface contamination with the explosive hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) at ordnance production and testing sites is a problem because of the persistence, mobility, and toxicity of RDX and the formation of toxic products under anoxic conditions. While the utility of compound-specific isotope analysis for inferring natural attenuation pathways from stable isotope ratios has been demonstrated, the stable isotope fractionation for RDX reduction by iron-bearing minerals remains unknown. Here, we evaluated N and C isotope fractionation of RDX during reduction by Fe(II) associated with Fe minerals and natural sediments and applied N isotope ratios to the assessment of mineral-catalyzed RDX reduction in a contaminant plume and in sediment columns treated by in situ chemical reduction. Laboratory studies revealed that RDX was reduced to nitroso compounds without denitration and the concomitant ring cleavage. Fe(II)/iron oxide mineral-catalyzed reactions exhibited N isotope enrichment factors, εN, between -6.3±0.3‰ and -8.2±0.2‰, corresponding to an apparent 15N kinetic isotope effect of 1.04-1.05. The observed variations of the δ15N of ∼15‰ in RDX from groundwater samples suggested an extent of reductive transformation of 85% at an ammunition plant. Conversely, we observed masking of N isotope fractionation after RDX reduction in laboratory flow-through systems, which was presumably due to limited accessibility to reactive Fe(II).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Tong
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Drive SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0116, United States
| | - Matthew J Berens
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Drive SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0116, United States
| | - Bridget A Ulrich
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Jakov Bolotin
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer H Strehlau
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Drive SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0116, United States
| | - Thomas B Hofstetter
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - William A Arnold
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Drive SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0116, United States
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Ariyarathna T, Ballentine M, Vlahos P, Smith RW, Cooper C, Böhlke JK, Fallis S, Groshens TJ, Tobias C. Degradation of RDX (Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) in contrasting coastal marine habitats: Subtidal non-vegetated (sand), subtidal vegetated (silt/eel grass), and intertidal marsh. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 745:140800. [PMID: 32721618 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Hundreds of explosive-contaminated marine sites exist globally, many of which contain the common munitions constituent hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). Quantitative information about RDX transformation in coastal ecosystems is essential for management of many of these sites. Isotopically labelled RDX containing 15N in all 3 nitro groups was used to track the fate of RDX in three coastal ecosystem types. Flow-through mesocosms representing subtidal vegetated (silt/eel grass), subtidal non-vegetated (sand) and intertidal marsh ecosystems were continuously loaded with isotopically labelled RDX for 16-17 days. Sediment, pore-water and overlying surface water were analyzed to determine the distribution of RDX, nitroso-triazine transformation products (NXs) and nitrogen containing complete mineralization products, including ammonium, nitrate+nitrite, nitrous oxide and nitrogen gas. The marsh, silt, and sand ecotypes transformed 94%, 90% and 76% of supplied RDX, respectively. Total dissolved NXs accounted for 2%-4% of the transformed 15N-RDX. The majority of RDX transformation in the water column was by mineralization to inorganic N (dissolved and evaded; 64%-78% of transformed 15N-RDX). RDX was mineralized primarily to N2O (62-74% of transformed 15N-RDX) and secondarily to N2 (1-2% of transformed 15N-RDX) which exchanged with the atmosphere. Transformation of RDX was favored in carbon-rich lower redox potential sediments of the silt and marsh mesocosms where anaerobic processes of iron and sulfate reduction were most prevalent. RDX was most persistent in the carbon-poor sand mesocosm. Partitioning of 15N derived from RDX onto sediment and suspended particulates was negligible in the overall mass balance of RDX transformation (2%-3% of transformed 15N-RDX). The fraction of 15N derived from RDX that was sorbed or assimilated in sediment was largest in the marsh mesocosm (most organic carbon), and smallest in the sand mesocosm (largest grain size and least organic carbon). Sediment redox conditions and available organic carbon stores affect the fate of RDX in different coastal marine habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thivanka Ariyarathna
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, 1084 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, United States of America.
| | - Mark Ballentine
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, 1084 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, United States of America
| | - Penny Vlahos
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, 1084 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, United States of America
| | - Richard W Smith
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, 1084 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, United States of America
| | - Christopher Cooper
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, 1084 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, United States of America
| | - J K Böhlke
- U.S. Geological Survey, 431 National Center, Reston, VA 20192, United States of America
| | - Stephen Fallis
- Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Chemistry Division, China Lake, CA 93555, United States of America
| | - Thomas J Groshens
- Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Chemistry Division, China Lake, CA 93555, United States of America
| | - Craig Tobias
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, 1084 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, United States of America
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Fuller ME, Koster van Groos PG, Jarrett M, Kucharzyk KH, Minard-Smith A, Heraty LJ, Sturchio NC. Application of a multiple lines of evidence approach to document natural attenuation of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) in groundwater. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 250:126210. [PMID: 32109698 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study utilized innovative analyses to develop multiple lines of evidence for natural attenuation of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) in groundwater at the U.S. Department of Energy's Pantex Plant. RDX, as well as the degradation product 4-nitro-2,4-diazabutanal (NDAB; produced by aerobic biodegradation or alkaline hydrolysis) were detected in a large portion of the plume, with lower concentrations of the nitroso-containing metabolites produced during anaerobic biodegradation. 16S metagenomic sequencing detected the presence of bacteria known to aerobically degrade RDX (e.g., Gordonia, Rhodococcus) and NDAB (Methylobacterium), as well as the known anoxic RDX degrader Pseudomonas fluorescens I-C. Proteomic analysis detected both the aerobic RDX degradative enzyme XplA, and the anoxic RDX degradative enzyme XenB. Groundwater enrichment cultures supplied with low concentrations of labile carbon confirmed the potential of the extant groundwater community to aerobically degrade RDX and produce NDAB. Compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) of RDX collected at the site showed fractionation of nitrogen isotopes with δ15N values ranging from approximately -5‰ to +9‰, providing additional evidence of RDX degradation. Taken together, these results provide evidence of in situ RDX degradation in the Pantex Plant groundwater. Furthermore, they demonstrate the benefit of multiple lines of evidence in supporting natural attenuation assessments, especially with the application of innovative isotopic and -omic technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Fuller
- Aptim Federal Services, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648, USA.
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Radiolytic degradation of explosives in aqueous solutions and ‘red’ wastewater. MENDELEEV COMMUNICATIONS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mencom.2020.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Yadav S, Sharma A, Khan MA, Sharma R, Celin M, Malik A, Sharma S. Enhancing hexahydro-1, 3, 5-trinitro-1, 3, 5-triazine (RDX) remediation through water-dispersible Microbacterium esteraromaticum granules. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 264:110446. [PMID: 32250888 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In the current manuscript, we explored the remediation potential of Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) by Gram-positive Microbacterium esteraromaticum 12849. The strain detoxified 70.9 and 63.93% RDX in minimal nutrient medium and soil, respectively. Subsequently, the strain 12849 was formulated in form of water-dispersible granules (WDG) using talcum powder and alginic acid as inert ingredients. During the microcosm study, WDG exhibited 8.98% enhanced RDX degradation in contrast to the unformulated Microbacterium esteraromaticum. The LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of two intermediates, namely N-methyl-N, N'-dinitromethanediamine, and methylenedintramine, during the RDX degradation by strain 12849 in soil. Interestingly, no significant difference was observed in the rate of RDX degradation by strain 12849 due to the formulation process. The first-order kinetics was seen in RDX degradation with a degradation coefficient of 0.04 and 0.0339 day-1 by formulated and unformulated strain, respectively. The current investigation implies M. esteraromaticum as a potential microbe for RDX degradation and opens up the possibility of exploiting it in its effective WDG form for explosive contaminated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Yadav
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Abhishek Sharma
- Amity Food and Agriculture Foundation, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India
| | - Mohd Aamir Khan
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Ranju Sharma
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Mary Celin
- Centre for Fire, Explosives and Environment Safety, Defence Research & Development Organization, Min. of Defence, Brig. Mazumdar Road, Delhi, 110 054, India
| | - Anushree Malik
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Satyawati Sharma
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, Delhi, 110016, India.
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Fuller ME, Hedman PC, Lippincott DR, Hatzinger PB. Passive in situ biobarrier for treatment of comingled nitramine explosives and perchlorate in groundwater on an active range. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2019; 365:827-834. [PMID: 30481733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.11.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX), and perchlorate (ClO4-) are common, and often co-mingled, contaminants at military ranges worldwide. This project investigated the feasibility of using a passive emulsified oil biobarrier plus a slow release pH buffering reagent to remediate RDX, HMX, and ClO4- in a low pH aquifer at an active range. A 33 m biobarrier was emplaced perpendicular to the contaminant plumes, and dissolved explosives, perchlorate, and other relevant parameters were monitored. The pH increased and the DO and ORP decreased after emulsified oil injection, leading to >90% reductions in perchlorate, RDX, and HMX compared to upgradient groundwater. Some nitroso breakdown products were observed immediately downstream of the barrier, but generally decreased to below detection limits farther downgradient. First-order rate constants of approximately 0.1/d were obtained for all three contaminants. Dissolved metals (including As) also increased in the wells immediately adjacent to the barrier, but attenuated as the plume re-aerated in downgradient areas. Biobarrier installation and sampling were performed during scheduled range downtime and had no impacts to ongoing range activities. The field trial suggests that an emulsified oil biobarrier with pH buffering can be a viable alternative to remove explosives and perchlorate from shallow groundwater on active ranges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Fuller
- Aptim Federal Services, 17 Princess Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, United States.
| | - Paul C Hedman
- Aptim Federal Services, 17 Princess Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, United States
| | - David R Lippincott
- Aptim Federal Services, 17 Princess Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, United States
| | - Paul B Hatzinger
- Aptim Federal Services, 17 Princess Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, United States
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Ariyarathna T, Ballentine M, Vlahos P, Smith RW, Cooper C, Böhlke JK, Fallis S, Groshens TJ, Tobias C. Tracing the cycling and fate of the munition, Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine in a simulated sandy coastal marine habitat with a stable isotopic tracer, 15N-[RDX]. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 647:369-378. [PMID: 30086489 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Coastal marine habitats become contaminated with the munitions constituent, Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-trazine (RDX), via military training, weapon testing and leakage of unexploded ordnance. This study used 15N labeled RDX in simulated aquarium-scale coastal marine habitat containing seawater, sediment, and biota to track removal pathways from surface water including sorption onto particulates, degradation to nitroso-triazines and mineralization to dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN). The two aquaria received continuous RDX inputs to maintain a steady state concentration (0.4 mg L-1) over 21 days. Time series RDX and nitroso-triazine concentrations in dissolved (surface and porewater) and sorbed phases (sediment and suspended particulates) were analyzed. Distributions of DIN species (ammonium, nitrate + nitrite and dissolved N2) in sediments and overlying water were also measured along with geochemical variables in the aquaria. Partitioning of RDX and RDX-derived breakdown products onto surface sediment represented 13% of the total added 15N as RDX (15N-[RDX]) equivalents after 21 days. Measured nitroso-triazines in the aquaria accounted for 6-13% of total added 15N-[RDX]. 15N-labeled DIN was found both in the oxic surface water and hypoxic porewaters, showing that RDX mineralization accounted for 34% of the 15N-[RDX] added to the aquaria over 21 days. Labeled ammonium (15NH4+, found in sediment and overlying water) and nitrate + nitrite (15NOX, found in overlying water only) together represented 10% of the total added 15N-[RDX]. The production of 15N labeled N2 (15N2), accounted for the largest individual sink during the transformation of the total added 15N-[RDX] (25%). Hypoxic sediment was the most favorable zone for production of N2, most of which diffused through porous sediments into the water column and escaped to the atmosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thivanka Ariyarathna
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, 1084 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, United States of America.
| | - Mark Ballentine
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, 1084 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, United States of America
| | - Penny Vlahos
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, 1084 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, United States of America
| | - Richard W Smith
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, 1084 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, United States of America
| | - Christopher Cooper
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, 1084 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, United States of America
| | - J K Böhlke
- U.S. Geological Survey, 431 National Center, Reston, VA 20192, United States of America
| | - Stephen Fallis
- Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Chemistry Division, China Lake, CA 93555, United States of America
| | - Thomas J Groshens
- Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Chemistry Division, China Lake, CA 93555, United States of America
| | - Craig Tobias
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, 1084 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, United States of America
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Chatterjee S, Deb U, Datta S, Walther C, Gupta DK. Common explosives (TNT, RDX, HMX) and their fate in the environment: Emphasizing bioremediation. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 184:438-451. [PMID: 28618276 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Explosive materials are energetic substances, when released into the environment, contaminate by posing toxic hazards to environment and biota. Throughout the world, soils are contaminated by such contaminants either due to manufacturing operations, military activities, conflicts of different levels, open burning/open detonation (OB/OD), dumping of munitions etc. Among different forms of chemical explosives, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro- 1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) are most common. These explosives are highly toxic as USEPA has recommended restrictions for lifetime contact through drinking water. Although, there are several utilitarian aspects in anthropogenic activities, however, effective remediation of explosives is very important. This review article emphasizes the details of appropriate practices to ameliorate the contamination. Critical evaluation has also been made to encompass the recent knowledge and advancement about bioremediation and phytoremediation of explosives (especially TNT, RDX and HMX) along with the molecular mechanisms of biodegradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Chatterjee
- Defence Research Laboratory, DRDO, Post Bag No. 02, Tezpur, 784001, Assam, India
| | - Utsab Deb
- Defence Research Laboratory, DRDO, Post Bag No. 02, Tezpur, 784001, Assam, India
| | - Sibnarayan Datta
- Defence Research Laboratory, DRDO, Post Bag No. 02, Tezpur, 784001, Assam, India
| | - Clemens Walther
- Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover, Institut für Radioökologie und Strahlenschutz (IRS), Herrenhäuser Str. 2, Gebäude 4113, 30419, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dharmendra K Gupta
- Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover, Institut für Radioökologie und Strahlenschutz (IRS), Herrenhäuser Str. 2, Gebäude 4113, 30419, Hannover, Germany.
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Ariyarathna T, Vlahos P, Smith RW, Fallis S, Groshens T, Tobias C. Biodegradation and mineralization of isotopically labeled TNT and RDX in anaerobic marine sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2017; 36:1170-1180. [PMID: 27791286 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The lack of knowledge on the fate of explosive compounds 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), particularly in marine ecosystems, constrains the application of bioremediation techniques in explosive-contaminated coastal sites. The authors present a comparative study on anaerobic biodegradation and mineralization of 15 N-nitro group isotopically labeled TNT and RDX in organic carbon-rich, fine-grained marine sediment with native microbial assemblages. Separate sediment slurry experiments were carried out for TNT and RDX at 23°C for 16 d. Dissolved and sediment-sorbed fractions of parent and transformation products, isotopic compositions of sediment, and mineralization products of the dissolved inorganic N pool (15 NH4+ ,15 NO3- ,15 NO2- , and 15 N2 ) were measured. The rate of TNT removal from the aqueous phase was faster (0.75 h-1 ) than that of RDX (0.37 h-1 ), and 15 N accumulation in sediment was higher in the TNT (13%) than the RDX (2%) microcosms. Mono-amino-dinitrotoluenes were identified as intermediate biodegradation products of TNT. Two percent of the total spiked TNT-N is mineralized to dissolved inorganic N through 2 different pathways: denitration as well as deamination and formation of NH4+ , facilitated by iron and sulfate reducing bacteria in the sediments. The majority of the spiked TNT-N (85%) is in unidentified pools by day 16. Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (10%) biodegrades to nitroso derivatives, whereas 13% of RDX-N in nitro groups is mineralized to dissolved inorganic N anaerobically by the end of the experiment. The primary identified mineralization end product of RDX (40%) is NH4+ , generated through either deamination or mono-denitration, followed by ring breakdown. A reasonable production of N2 gas (13%) was seen in the RDX system but not in the TNT system. Sixty-eight percent of the total spiked RDX-N is in an unidentified pool by day 16 and may include unquantified mineralization products dissolved in water. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1170-1180. © 2016 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thivanka Ariyarathna
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut, USA
| | - Penny Vlahos
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Stephen Fallis
- Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Chemistry Division, China Lake, California, USA
| | - Thomas Groshens
- Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Chemistry Division, China Lake, California, USA
| | - Craig Tobias
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut, USA
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