Toxicological characterization of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, its transformation products, and two nitramine explosives

Neuwoehner, J; Schofer, A; Erlenkaemper, B; Steinbach, K; Hund-Rinke, K; Eisentraeger, A

HERO ID

630030

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2007

Language

English

PMID

17571672

HERO ID 630030
In Press No
Year 2007
Title Toxicological characterization of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, its transformation products, and two nitramine explosives
Authors Neuwoehner, J; Schofer, A; Erlenkaemper, B; Steinbach, K; Hund-Rinke, K; Eisentraeger, A
Journal Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
Volume 26
Issue 6
Page Numbers 1090-1099
Abstract The soil and groundwater of former ordnance plants and their dumping sites have often been highly contaminated with the explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (2,4,6-TNT) leading to a potential hazard for humans and the environment. Further hazards can arise from metabolites of transformation, by-products of the manufacturing process, or incomplete combustion. This work examines the toxicity of polar nitro compounds relative to their parent compound 2,4,6-TNT using four different ecotoxicological bioassays (algae growth inhibition test, daphnids immobilization test, luminescence inhibition test, and cell growth inhibition test), three genotoxicological assays (umu test, NM2009 test, and SOS Chromotest), and the Ames fluctuation test for detection of mutagenicity. For this study, substances typical for certain steps of degradation/transformation of 2,4,6-TNT were chosen for investigation. This work determines that the parent compounds 2,4,6-TNT and 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene are the most toxic substances followed by 3,5-dinitrophenol, 3,5-dinitroaniline and 4-amino-2-nitrotoluene. Less toxic are the direct degradation products of 2,4,6-TNT like 2,4-dinitrotoluene, 2,6-dinitrotoluene, 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene, and 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene. A weak toxic potential was observed for 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid, 2,4-diamino-6-nitrotoluene, 2,4-dinitrotoluene-5-sulfonic acid, and 2,6-diamino-4-nitrotoluene. Octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine show no hint of acute toxicity. Based on the results of this study, we recommend expanding future monitoring programs of not only the parent substances but also potential metabolites based on conditions at the contaminated sites and to use bioassays as tools for estimating the toxicological potential directly by testing environmental samples. Site-specific protocols should be developed. If hazardous substances are found in relevant concentrations, action should be taken to prevent potential risks for humans and the environment. Analyses can then be used to prioritise reliable estimates of risk.
Doi 10.1897/06-471R.1
Pmid 17571672
Wosid WOS:000246581100002
Url http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17571672
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Ecotoxicity; Genotoxicity; Environmental monitoring; Nitroaromatics; Ordnance plant
Is Qa No