TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene) of explosive grade is highly toxic to marine forms that included fresh water unicellular green algae (Selenastrum capricornutum), tidepool copepods (Tigriopus californicus), and oyster larvae (Crassostrea gigas), and mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium. On the basis of mutagenic assays carried out with a set of histidine-requiring strains of the bacterium, TNT was detected as a frameshift mutagen that significantly accelerates the reversion rate of a frameshift tester, TA-98. In contrast, the major microbial metabolites of TNT appeared to be nontoxic and nonmutagenic.

WON, WILIAiM D. (University of Caifornia, Berkeley), ANm HAROLD Ross. Effect of diluent and relative humidity on apparent viability of airborne Pasteurella pestis. Appl. Microbiol. 14:742-745. 1966.-Airborne Pasteurella pestis (A-1122) at low humidities [20 to 50% relative humidity (RH)] exhibited exponential decay

Three pseudomonas-like organisms have been shown to metabolically oxidize 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). Capability for this oxidative dissimilation varied with each organism. Of the three, isolate "Y" was the most proficient, isolate "I" was less, and isolate "II" was the least. For accelerated TNT degradation, addition of glucose or a nitrogenous substance was essential. Complete dissimilation within 24 h by isolate "Y" cultures supplemented with 0.5% yeast extract is presumed since no TNT was detectable.

Three pseudomonas-like organisms have been shown to metabolically oxidize 2, 4, 6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). Capability for this oxidative dissimilation varied with each organism. Of the three, isolate “Y” was the most proficient, isolate “I” was less, and isolate “II” was the least. For accelerated TNT degradation, addition of glucose or a nitrogenous substance was essential. Complete dissimilation within 24 h by isolate “Y” cultures supplemented with 0.5% yeast extract is presumed since no TNT was detectable.

Blood-glucose-cysteine-agar (Downs et al., J. Bacteriol., 53, 89, 1947) has been commonly employed for the growth of Pasteurella tularensis. Holbert, Asst. Prof. of Electron Microscopy, Rutgers University, for her interest, generous assistance, and the long series of electron micrographs from which those used here were selected.