The assessment of the energetic compound 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-Hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) degradability in soil.
CL-20 is a relatively new energetic compound with applications in explosive and propellant formulations. Currently, information about the fate of CL-20 in ecological systems is scarce. The aim of this study is to evaluate the biodegradability of CL-20 in soil environments. Four soils were used where initial CL-20 concentrations (above water solubility) ranged from 125 to 1500 mg of CL-20 per kg dry soil (corresponding to the concentrations derived from unexploded ordnance, low order detonation, or manufacturing spills). CL-20 appears to be biodegradable in soil under anaerobic conditions, and additions of organic substrates can substantially accelerate this process. However, CL-20 is not degraded in soil under aerobic conditions kept in the dark at temperatures up to 30 degrees C without organic amendments. Additions of starch or cellulose promote the biodegradation of CL-20 under aerobic conditions. Soil microbial community mediated biodegradation and plant uptake appears to enhance CL-20 biodegradation, the latter suggesting a possible route for CL-20 to entry in the food chain.
Strigul
Nikolay
N
Center for Environmental Systems, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA.
Braida
Washington
W
Christodoulatos
Christos
C
Balas
Wendy
W
Nicolich
Steven
S
D000332:Aerobiosis; D000693:Anaerobiosis; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001952:Bridged-Ring Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D017753:Ecosystem; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007220:Industrial Waste; D009574:Nitro Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D018521:Plant Physiological Phenomena; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D013997:Time Factors
D001952:Bridged-Ring Compounds; D007220:Industrial Waste; D009574:Nitro Compounds; D012989:Soil Pollutants; C083639:hexanitrohexaazaisowurzitane