Biodegradability of TNT: A Three-Year Pilot Plant Study

Abstract : The results of a three-year pilot plant study concerning the biodegradability of aqueous solutions of TNT with the 3,000-gallon NSWC- Oxidation Ditch Facility under a variety of conditions are reported. Best results were obtained with activated sludge microorganisms and supplemental nutrient. Under these conditions, TNT was 97 + or - 2% bioreduced on a continual basis with the formation of a combined yield of 12 + or - 2% of the corresponding two monoamine and two diamine isomers. Supportive C-14 TNT labeled studies show formation of less than 0.4% 14CO2 with the remainder of the C-14 activity about equally distributed between the solid, or bacterial floc, and aqueous phase. The various operation parameters of the Oxidation Ditch are discussed.