The toxicity of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and its metabolites to Populus sp.

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Project Period: 
1996
Project Investigator(s): 
JL Schnoor, PL Thompson, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Iowa
Abstract: 

This research will study the phytoremediation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) ammunition wastes using hybrid poplar trees. Studies will concentrate on phytoremediation using Imperial Carolina (Populus deltoides nigra DN-34) for terrestrial/uplands treatment of TNT wastes, by investigating the phytotoxicity of TNT and its two primary metabolites 2-amino 4,6-dinitrotoluene (2A) and 4-amino 2,6-dinitrotoluene (4A). These treatability studies will lead to preliminary design calculations for TNT contaminated soil and groundwater treatment systems. In particular, the results of this research will help assess the impact of poplar hybrids at an Iowa Superfund site located at Middletown, Iowa.

Publications: 

Thompson P, Ramer L, Schnoor JL; Uptake and Transformation of TNT by Hybrid Poplar Trees. Environmental Science & Technology. 1998; 32(7):975-980

Just CL, Schnoor JL; A preperation technique for analysis of explosives in plant tissues.Intl. J. Phytoremediation. 2000; 2(3):255-267

Yoon JM, Oh BT, Just CL, Schnoor JL; Uptake and Leaching of Octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7- tetrazocine by Hybrid Poplar Trees. Environmental Science and Technology. 2002; 36 (21):4649 -4655