Potential for intrinsic bioremediation of a DNT-contaminated aquifer

Environmental Science & Technology
By: , and 

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Abstract

Microorganisms indigenous to a shallow aquifer, which underlies an explosives-contaminated site, mineralized 28% of [U-ring-14C] 2,4–dinitrotoluene to 14CO2 within 28 days under aerobic conditions. Approximately 20% of added 2,4–dinitrotoluene remained undegraded at the end of the incubation while approximately 22% and 6% were transformed to 4–amino-2–nitrotoluene and 2–amino-4–nitrotoluene, respectively. In aquifer microcosms containing 2,6–dinitrotoluene, approximately 67% of the substrate remained undegraded and approximately 14% was transformed to 2–amino-6–nitrotoluene. The radiolabeled study indicated that about 8% of the 2,6–dinotrotoluene was mineralized to CO2. The demonstrated degradation and subsequent mineralization of dinitrotoluene compounds by aquifer microorganisms are consistent with the decline in dissolved dinitrotoluene concentrations observed along the general ground-water flowpath at the site. The results indicate that intrinsic bioremediation may be a viable alternative for remediating contaminated ground water at this site.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Potential for intrinsic bioremediation of a DNT-contaminated aquifer
Series title Environmental Science & Technology
DOI 10.1111/j.1745-6584.1997.tb00054.x
Volume 35
Issue 1
Year Published 1997
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
Description 6 p.
First page 12
Last page 17
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