Biodegradation of the high explosive hexanitrohexaazaiso-wurtzitane (CL-20).
The aerobic biodegradability of the high explosive CL-20 by activated sludge and the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium has been investigated. Although activated sludge is not effective in degrading CL-20 directly, it can mineralize the alkaline hydrolysis products. Phanerochaete chrysosporium degrades CL-20 in the presence of supplementary carbon and nitrogen sources. Biodegradation studies were conducted using various nutrient media under diverse conditions. Variables included the CL-20 concentration; levels of carbon (as glycerol) and ammonium sulfate and yeast extract as sources of nitrogen. Cultures that received CL-20 at the time of inoculation transformed CL-20 completely under all nutrient conditions studied. When CL-20 was added to pre-grown cultures, degradation was limited. The extent of mineralization was monitored by the (14)CO(2) time evolution; up to 51% mineralization was achieved when the fungus was incubated with [(14)C]-CL-20. The kinetics of CL-20 biodegradation by Phanerochaete chrysosporium follows the logistic kinetic growth model.
Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407, USA.
Pelin
P
Karakaya
Christos
C
Christodoulatos
Agamemnon
A
Koutsospyros
Wendy
W
Balas
Steve
S
Nicolich
Mohammed
M
Sidhoum
D000332:Aerobiosis; D001372:Aza Compounds / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001711:Biotransformation; D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis; D053834:Explosive Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D045604:Extracellular Fluid / Q000378:metabolism; D006571:Heterocyclic Compounds / Q000378:metabolism*; D007700:Kinetics; D025282:Mycelium / Q000378:metabolism; D020075:Phanerochaete / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D012722:Sewage
C482139:2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaaza-isowurtzitane; D001372:Aza Compounds; D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D053834:Explosive Agents; D006571:Heterocyclic Compounds; D012722:Sewage