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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
Published on: May 10, 2013
[Decontamination of soil after bacterial warfare experiments on Gruinard Island]
1Ośrodek Badań Weterynaryjnych Wojskowego Instytutu Higieny i Epidemiologii, Puławach.
Abstract:
Bombs containing B. anthracis spores were detonated on Gruinard island in 1942 and 1943 as a part of a British research programme set up in response to fears that the Germans were developing biological weapons. In 1986 island was decontaminated by spraying with 5% formaldehyde. As a demonstration of confidence in the success of the decontamination operation a flock of 40 sheep was allowed to graze for several months with no ill effects.
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