Biodegradation of Military Explosives RDX and HMX

Abstract

Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) are important military explosives. They are toxic anthropogenic compounds and persist as environmental pollutants as a result of weapon manufacture, deployment, and decommissioning. Production, testing and use of these compounds has resulted in numerous acres of contaminated soils and groundwater near many munitions facilities. Therefore, economical and efficient methods for treatment of wastewater and clean-up of soils or groundwater containing RDX and HMX are needed.