Phytoremediation: Modeling removal of TNT and its breakdown products

Medina, Victor F.; McCutcheon, Steven C.

doi:10.1002/rem.3440070105

Cited by 27 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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Section: Explosivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the USA, TNT is largely discharged through military-based activities and ammunition manufacturing industries (Medina and McCutcheon 1996). Phytoremediation by constructed wetlands provides a promising treatment of TNT-contaminated groundwater and wastewater since many wetland plant species contain the necessary enzymes to degrade explosives such as TNT (Medina and McCutcheon 1996). The first quantitative demonstration of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) transformation by aquatic plants was conducted using common wetland species Myriophyllum spicatum and Myriophyllum aquaticum (Williams 2002).…”

Section: Explosivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Phytoremediation in Constructed Wetlands

Herath

Vithanage

2015

Phytoremediation

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Section: Explosivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Explosivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Phytoremediation in Constructed Wetlands

Herath

Vithanage

2015

Phytoremediation

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“…An assay for the plant enzyme nitroreductase has been developed. Levels of this enzyme in plant species appear to correlate with the ability to degrade explosives (Medina and McCutcheon 1996). Cunningham et al (1996) speculated that oxido-reductase may be capable of metabolising nitroaromatic compounds.…”

Section: Oxidation Reactionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biological remediation of explosives and related nitroaromatic compounds

Snellinx

Nepovím

Taghavi

et al. 2002

Environ. Sci. & Pollut. Res

118

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Abstract. Nitroaromatics form an important group of recalcitrant xenobiotics. Only few aromatic compounds, bearing one nitro group as a substituent of the aromatic ring, are produced as secondary metabolites by microorganisms. The majority of nitroaromadc compounds in the biosphere are industrial chemicals such as explosives, dyes, polyurethane foams, herbicides, insecticides and solvents. These compounds are generally recalcitrant to biological treatment and remain in the biosphere, where they constitute a source of pollution due to both toxic and mutagenic effects on humans, fish, algae and microorganisms. However, relatively few microorganisms have been described as being able to use nitroaromatic compounds as nitrogen and/or carbon and energy source. The best-known nitroaromatic compound is the explosive TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene). This article reviews the bioremediation strategies for TNT-contaminated soil and water. It comes to the following conclusion: The optimal remediation strategy for nitroaromatic compounds depends on many site-specific factors. Composting and the use of reactor systems lend themselves to treating soils contaminated with high levels of explosives (e.g. at former ammunition production facilities, where areas with a high contamination level are common). Compared to composting systems, bioreactors have the major advantage of a short treatment time, but the disadvantage of being more labour intensive and more expensive. Studies indicate that biological treatment systems, which are based on the activity of the fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium or on Pseudomonas sp. ST53, might be used as effective methods for the remediation of highly contaminated soil and water. Phytoremediation, although not widely used now, has the potential to become an important strategy for the remediation of soil and water contaminated with explosives. It is best suited where contaminant levels are low (e.g. at military sites where pollution is rather diffuse) and where larger contaminated surfaces or volumes have to be treated. In addition, phytoremediation can be used as a polishing method after other remediation treatments, such as composting or bioslurry, have taken place. This in-situ treatment method has the advantage of lower treatment costs, but has the disadvantage of a considerable longer treatment time. In order to improve the cost-efficiency, phytoremediation of nitroaromatics (and other organic xenobiotics) could be combined with bio-energy production. This requires, however, detailed knowledge on the fate of the contaminants in the plants as well as the development of efficient treatment methods for the contaminated biomass that minimise the spreading of the contaminants into the environment during post harvest treatment.

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“…The high cost would result from the required construction of between 330 and 1,000 extraction wells. On the basis of this preconceptual design, which uses preliminary phytoremediation cost data provided in Medina and McCutcheon (1996) and applies cost factors specific to the Weldon Spring site for indirect activities, the capital cost of Alternative 6 is estimated to be between $36 million and $110 million ,(Appendix D).…”

Section: Costmentioning

confidence: 99%

Feasibility study for remedial action for the groundwater operable units at the chemical plant area and the ordnance works area, Weldon Spring, Missouri

1999

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Phytoremediation: Modeling removal of TNT and its breakdown products

Cited by 27 publications

References 23 publications

Phytoremediation in Constructed Wetlands

Phytoremediation in Constructed Wetlands

Biological remediation of explosives and related nitroaromatic compounds

Feasibility study for remedial action for the groundwater operable units at the chemical plant area and the ordnance works area, Weldon Spring, Missouri

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