title: Development of a biodegradable ethylene glycol dinitrate-based explosive.
abstract: Bacteria capable of degrading ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN) were isolated under aerobic and, carbon and nitrogen-limiting conditions from EGDN contaminated soil and rivers. EGDN degradation was monitored using HPLC and UV-Vis spectrometer. Among the isolated strains Bacillus subtilis GN was the best, completely degrading 6.6 mM EGDN with the concomitant release of nitrite and EGMN within 72 h. Furthermore, the level of toxicity of EGDN as measured by the bioluminescent bacteria, Vibrio fischeri was reduced by 80% when 100% of the 6.6 mM EGDN was degraded. An environmentally friendly "biodegradable explosives", was achieved by adsorbing B. subtilis GN spores onto the wood flour, an ingredient of the explosive. The incorporation of B. subtilis GN spores into the explosive formulation did not affect the quality of the explosive as confirmed by the almost unchanged detonation velocity (3410 m s(-1) compared to 3500 m s(-1) of the control), autoignition temperature, Abel test, shock and friction sensitivity test. It was also possible to achieve rapid degradation of the residues after detonation upon exposure to air and moisture.
authors: Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12, A-8010 Graz, Austria.
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Dario
authors: Marc
authors: M
authors: Schroeder
authors: Gibson S
authors: GS
authors: Nyanhongo
authors: Gregor
authors: G
authors: Englmayer
authors: Georg M
authors: GM
authors: Guebitz
mesh_terms: D000332:Aerobiosis; D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002244:Carbon; D005026:Ethylene Glycols; D053834:Explosive Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D009573:Nitrites; D009584:Nitrogen; D045483:Rivers; D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical
chemical_list: D005026:Ethylene Glycols; D053834:Explosive Agents; D009573:Nitrites; D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D002244:Carbon; C004882:ethylene glycol dinitrate; D009584:Nitrogen