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630094 
Journal Article 
Composting for decontamination of soils containing explosives 
Isbister, JD; Anspach, GL; Kitchens, JF; Doyle, RC 
1984 
1 
Microbiologica
ISSN: 0391-5352 
7 
1 
47-73 
English 
This study has evaluated the composting process for degrading or immobilizing high concentrations of TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene) and RDX (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) found in soils and sediments. The results obtained in the self-sustaining greenhouse composts confirmed the laboratory data and showed that laboratory composts could be used to estimate degradation rates of hazardous materials in large, self-sustaining compost piles. The data indicated that both RDX and extractable TNT concentrations in the compost rapidly declined in six weeks of composting. The super(14)C-study showed that RDX was degraded to CO sub(2). Leachates from the RDX composts were not mutagenic in the Ames assay. In contrast to the RDX results, there was no evidence for breakage of the TNT benzene ring. 
decontamination; 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene; hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine; biodegradation; composting; explosives; waste treatment; Biotechnology and Bioengineering Abstracts; Microbiology Abstracts A: Industrial & Applied Microbiology; W 30530:Environment and pollution; A 01105:Non-patents