Little is known about the response of terrestrial plants to 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT). To assess its effects, yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) was grown in hydroponic cultures containing TNT concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 20 mg/L. The deleterious effects of TNT were rapid and occurred at solution concentrations of 5 mg/L and higher. Root growth was most affected, followed by leaves and rhizomes. Root weights were reduced about 95% when grown in the presence of TNT. Plant yields were 54 to 74% lower than the control. The TNT and its metabolites, 4‐amino‐2,6‐dinitrotoluene (4‐ADNT), and 2‐amino‐4,6‐dinitrotoluene (2‐ADNT) were found throughout the plants. Solutions were continually monitored to ensure that no metabolites were present in solution. Since TNT was the only compound taken up, the metabolites must have formed within the plant. Levels of 4‐ADNT exceeded those of 2‐ADNT and TNT itself ranging up to 2200 mg/kg in roots of plants grown in 20 mg/L of TNT. The greatest quantities of all three compounds were found in the rhizomes. Increasing solution TNT levels increased the concentrations and quantities of all three compounds in the plants.

The goal of the DARPA "Dog's Nose" program is to develop a sensor capable of detecting explosives contained in all buried landmines. In support of the DARPA program, the purpose of the Explosives Fate and Transport (EF&T) experiments is to define in detail the accessible trace chemical signature produced by the explosives contained in buried landmines. We intend to determine the partitioning (soil, air, water), composition, and quantity of explosive related chemicals (ERC) which emanate from different kinds of landmines (predominantly plastic-cased with TNT as the main charge) buried in multiple soil types and exposed to various climatic events. We are also developing a computer model that will enable us to predict the composition and quantity of ERC under a much wider range of environmental conditions than we are able to test experimentally.In our systematic quest to define the signature of a buried mine we have divided our efforts into the following categories:1 . Chemical analysis of the main explosive charge from several sources of TNT and the equilibrium vapor associated with TNT from these sources. 2. The amount and composition of ERC that are found on the exterior of landmines. 3. Determination of the rate at which ERC permeate the casing materials of both plastic and metallic landmines. 4. The effect that different soils have on the transport and fate of ERC as they move through the soil/pore matrix to the surface.5. The effect of environmental factors on ERC, i.e., climate, time since burial, depth of burial, soil properties, sunlight, near surface air movement, and vegetation.

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