A Review on Biodegradation and Biotransformation of Explosive Chemicals

Thankgod Ositadinma Ndibe, Benthai Benjamin, Winnie Chuno Eugene and Johnson John Usman
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Thankgod Ositadinma Ndibe: Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna
Benthai Benjamin: Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria
Winnie Chuno Eugene: Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria
Johnson John Usman: Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria

European Journal of Engineering and Technology Research, 2018, vol. 3, issue 11, 58-65

Abstract: Military training activities as well as manufacturing and decommissioning operations, lead to the generation of large quantities of explosive chemicals. Detonation and disposal of these explosive chemicals contaminate soil and ground water, thus posing a threat to living organisms and natural resources. The most commonly used explosives in artillery shells, bombs, grenades and other munitions are 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT), Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and Octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX). Due to their recalcitrant nature, toxicity and persistence in the environment, the study of their biodegradation and biotransformation is paramount. This paper reviews the chemistry, fate, degradation and transformation of this explosive chemicals in the natural environment. Emphasis is placed on TNT, RDX and HMX. This review will help scientists to adopt strategies and develop optimum biological treatment scheme for the in situ bioremediation of explosives-contaminated soil especially at firing/impact ranges.

Keywords: Explosives; biodegradation; biotransformation; TNT; RDX and HMX (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:epw:ejeng0:v:3:y:2018:i:11:id:60925

DOI: 10.24018/ejeng.2018.3.11.925

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