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Biodegradation of the High Explosive Hexanitrohexaazaiso-wurtzitane (CL-20)

Author

Listed:
  • Pelin Karakaya

    (Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407, USA)

  • Christos Christodoulatos

    (Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA)

  • Agamemnon Koutsospyros

    (Mechanical, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06516, USA)

  • Wendy Balas

    (US Army TACOM-ARDEC, Energetics & Warheads Division, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806, USA)

  • Steve Nicolich

    (US Army TACOM-ARDEC, Energetics & Warheads Division, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806, USA)

  • Mohammed Sidhoum

    (Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA
    PMK Group, Inc., ERCP Division, Farmingdale, NJ 07727, USA)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Pelin Karakaya & Christos Christodoulatos & Agamemnon Koutsospyros & Wendy Balas & Steve Nicolich & Mohammed Sidhoum, 2009. "Biodegradation of the High Explosive Hexanitrohexaazaiso-wurtzitane (CL-20)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 6(4), pages 1-22, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:6:y:2009:i:4:p:1371-1392:d:4603
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