Phytotreatment of propellant contamination

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Bioremediation
• Plant Biology

Background:

• Military firing ranges are often contaminated with propellants such as nitroglycerine (NG) and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT).
• Phytoremediation using common or native grasses offers an economical solution for managing these contaminated sites.
• Continued use of firing ranges necessitates effective strategies for contaminant control and cleanup.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the phytoremediation potential of three common grasses for nitroglycerine (NG) and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT).
• To assess the uptake and accumulation of these propellants in plant tissues.
• To evaluate the role of plant-based enzymes in contaminant transformation.

Main Methods:

• Hydroponic reactors were used to study the uptake of NG and 2,4-DNT by yellow nutsedge, yellow foxtail, and common rush.
• Plant tissues were analyzed for accumulated NG and 2,4-DNT.
• Yellow nutsedge was further tested in 2,4-DNT spiked soil to assess uptake and soil concentration changes.

Main Results:

• All three grasses demonstrated rapid removal of NG and 2,4-DNT from hydroponic solutions, with yellow nutsedge exhibiting the highest removal rates.
• Propellants accumulated in plant tissues, particularly in roots, suggesting active transformation by plant enzymes. Yellow foxtail did not accumulate NG.
• In soil experiments, yellow nutsedge showed significant uptake of 2,4-DNT into roots and leaves, leading to rapid soil concentration decreases.

Conclusions:

• Yellow nutsedge, yellow foxtail, and common rush are promising candidates for phytoremediation of propellant-contaminated environments.
• Plant uptake and transformation mechanisms contribute to the reduction of contaminants in soil and water.
• Phytoremediation offers a viable, low-cost approach for managing military firing range contamination.