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Biodegradation of Nitroaromatic Compounds pp 1–18Cite as

Basic Knowledge and Perspectives on Biodegradation of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene and Related Nitroaromatic Compounds in Contaminated Soil

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Part of the book series: Environmental Science Research ((ESRH,volume 49))

Abstract

Although a few aromatic compounds bearing one nitro group as a substituent are produced as secondary metabolites by microorganisms (31, 44, 45, 49) the majority of nitroaromatic compounds in the environment are due to anthropogenic activities. Nitrations are important reactions for the large-scale production of aminoaromatic structures that are synthons for pesticides, dyes, polymers, and pharmaceuticals. Nitroaromatic compounds such as nitrobenzene are used as solvents, whereas polynitroaromatic compounds serve as explosives. According to Hartter (16) 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) is produced in amounts of 2 million pounds per year. Nitroaromatic compounds are therefore abundantly present in industrial waste streams and surface waters. 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene is commonly found as the main contaminant of soil and ground water originating from facilities for manufacturing, processing, and disposing of explosives. Often these contaminants have leached from disposal lagoons into the surrounding soil, and in the case of military burdens of World War I and II, have contaminated the groundwater (13). Consequently, in Germany large areas of highly contaminated soils at former production plants must be remediated. TNT, its metabolites, and related compounds represent an environmental hazard because they exhibit considerable toxicity to humans, fish, algae, and microorganisms (39, 43, 50). Since incineration, the only proven technology for the destruction of explosives, is prohibitively costly, bioremediation represents an important alternative approach, which deserves to be considered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Mikrobiologie, Universität Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany

    Paul-Gerhard Rieger & Hans-Joachim Knackmuss

  2. Fraunhofer-Institut für Grenzflächen- und Bioverfahrenstechnik, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany

    Hans-Joachim Knackmuss

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  1. Paul-Gerhard Rieger
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  1. Armstrong Laboratory, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, USA

    Jim C. Spain

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Rieger, PG., Knackmuss, HJ. (1995). Basic Knowledge and Perspectives on Biodegradation of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene and Related Nitroaromatic Compounds in Contaminated Soil. In: Spain, J.C. (eds) Biodegradation of Nitroaromatic Compounds. Environmental Science Research, vol 49. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-9447-2_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-9447-2_1

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