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Optimization of process parameters for degradation of HMX with Bacillus toyonensis using response surface methodology

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Abstract

Contamination of soil and water with explosive compounds like octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX or commonly known as high melting explosives) is increasing day by day due to their extensive use all over the world. High level of contamination has been found near military sites, explosive manufacturing facilities, war-lands, mines and exercise ranges. Remediation of such contaminants is necessary as they may have adverse impact on biotic as well as on abiotic environment. Present study was carried out with an objective to optimize the variable process parameters for the degradation of HMX in aqueous phase by indigenously isolated bacterial strain, Bacillus toyonensis from an actual HMX contaminated site in North India using response surface methodology. The relationship among varying initial concentrations of HMX, microbial inoculum size and degradation time was revealed in the current study. Results showed that 87.7% degradation was achieved at 2 mg/L initial HMX concentration with inoculum size of 4% on 15th day. High regression coefficient value (0.9878) further supported predictability of experimental data. Nitrite and nitrate concentrations estimated during the experiment indicate breakdown and degradation process of HMX. Findings of this study concluded that Bacillus toyonensis can be a potential microorganism to degrade HMX and can be used for microbial remediation of HMX contaminated sites.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge funding support provided to Arjun Meda by UGC, New Delhi. Funding organization has not played any role in study design, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript. Authors are thankful to Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), New Delhi and Indian Institute of Technology Indore, for encouraging research and providing necessary facilities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biofuels Research Laboratory, Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India

    A. Meda & K. Bala

  2. Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety, Defence Research and Development Organization, New Delhi, India

    P. Sangwan

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  1. A. Meda
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  2. P. Sangwan
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  3. K. Bala
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Correspondence to P. Sangwan.

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Editorial responsibility: Jing Chen.

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Meda, A., Sangwan, P. & Bala, K. Optimization of process parameters for degradation of HMX with Bacillus toyonensis using response surface methodology. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. 17, 4601–4610 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-020-02783-0

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