Aerobic mineralization of nitroguanidine by Variovorax strain VC1 isolated from soil

Environmental Science & Technology
Nancy N PerreaultJalal Hawari

Abstract

Nitroguanidine (NQ) is an energetic material that is used as a key ingredient of triple-base propellants and is currently being considered as a TNT replacement in explosive formulations. NQ was efficiently degraded in aerobic microcosms when a carbon source was added. NQ persisted in unamended microcosms or under anaerobic conditions. An aerobic NQ-degrading bacterium, Variovorax strain VC1, was isolated from soil microcosms containing NQ as the sole nitrogen source. NQ degradation was inhibited in the presence of a more favorable source of nitrogen. Resting cells of VC1 degraded NQ effectively (54 μmol h(-1) g(-1) protein) giving NH(3) (50.0%), nitrous oxide (N(2)O) (48.5%) and CO(2) (100%). Disappearance of NQ was accompanied by the formation of a key intermediate product that we identified as nitrourea by comparison with a reference material. Nitrourea is unstable in water and suffered both biotic and abiotic decomposition to eventually give NH(3), N(2)O, and CO(2). However, we were unable to detect urea. Based on products distribution and reaction stoichiometry, we suggested that degradation of NQ, O(2)NN═C(NH(2))(2), might involve initial enzymatic hydroxylation of the imine, -C═N- bond, leading first to the formation of t...Continue Reading

References

Jan 1, 1992·Archives of Microbiology·M HermannH Kaltwasser
Jun 1, 1958·Journal of Bacteriology·J SZULMAJSTER
Jan 27, 2005·Environmental Science & Technology·Vimal K BalakrishnanJalal Hawari
Feb 8, 2006·Applied and Environmental Microbiology·Shirley F Nishino, Jim C Spain
Jan 1, 1926·The Biochemical Journal·W R Fearon, G C Dockeray

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Apr 19, 2013·Environmental Science & Technology·Nancy N PerreaultJalal Hawari
Jul 20, 2017·Analytical Chemistry·Anna Voloshenko RossinOvadia Lev
Dec 4, 2019·Journal of Molecular Modeling·Liudmyla K SviatenkoManoj K Shukla
Mar 5, 2017·Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology·Karl J IndestMark A Chappell
Dec 16, 2017·Environmental Science & Technology·Annamaria HalaszNancy N Perreault

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Bioremediation (ASM)

Bioremediation is the treatment and removal of harmful pollutants or contaminants through the use of microorganisms. Discover the latest research here.