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The role of nitrate reductase in the degradation of the explosive RDX (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) by Penicillium sp. AK96151

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Abstract

In liquid culture on a defined growth medium, Penicillium sp. AK96151 efficiently degraded the explosive hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX, hexogen), causing > 80 % disappearance after 10 d. RDX degradation was reduced to a basal level (< 15 % degraded after 10 d) by the presence of > 150 μM ammonium ions or when the molybdenum component of the medium was replaced by sodium tungstate. An equivalent effect of ammonium, molybdenum and tungsten was observed in protoplasts of this fungus assayed for nitrate reductase activity. This enzyme was not inhibited by RDX itself. The involvement of a nitrate reductase in RDX degradation by Penicillium has practical implications for bioremediation strategies which are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Biotechnology and Drug Research (IBWF), Erwin-Schrödinger-Str. 56, 67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany

    Heidrun Anke & Andrea Kuhn

  2. Department of Biotechnology, University of Kaiserslautern, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 23, 67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany

    Roland W. S. Weber

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  1. Heidrun Anke
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  2. Andrea Kuhn
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Correspondence to Heidrun Anke.

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Anke, H., Kuhn, A. & Weber, R.W.S. The role of nitrate reductase in the degradation of the explosive RDX (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) by Penicillium sp. AK96151. Mycol Progress 2, 219–225 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11557-006-0059-y

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