research project details
Project Title: Bioremediation of TNT
Investigator(s): Jean-Marc Bollag
Sponsor: Waste Management Landfill
Environmental Problem Addressed:
Treatment of soils contaminated with TNT.
Research Project Objectives:
Study effective measures of reducing TNT contamination in soil through bioremediation.
Summary:
Exposure to TNT has been linked to many human health disorders. Exposure to TNT-contaminated air or substances can lead to anemia, liver problems, skin irritation, cataracts, and possibly cancer. TNT has been found in at least 20 of EPA’s 1,430 National Priorities List contaminated sites. TNT was the major explosive used during World War I and II and high concentrations are still found all over the world.
This research will test the effectiveness of bioremediation, which uses microbial activities to bind toxic chemicals to the soil humus, in sequestering the TNT thereby reducing its toxicity. Bioremediation is the process of using microbes and plant parts to remove toxic chemicals from soils and wastewater. This method has merit as a treatment method that could alleviate soil contamination involving chemicals that don’t degrade easily.