Genomic research will enable greener cleanup of military explosive test sites

Vancouver, BC - Lowly bacteria, it turns out, hold the power to help militaries and munitions manufacturing plants around the world clean up toxic waste on test sites.

Compounds known as nitramines, specifically RDX, were invented back in World War II and have been used in military munitions for decades. These high-energy compounds are often used to propel tank shells and act like a more powerful version of TNT.

But with increased knowledge of their environmentally harmful effects, Canadian and US militaries, along with others around the world are looking for ways to clean up their contaminated test sites.

Dr. Lindsay Eltis of UBC, is leading the Genome BC-funded project entitled, Genomic Studies of Explosives Biodegradation. The $3.45 million project will study how bacteria degrade RDX and determine how to maximize its potential for bioremediation.

"RDX is a rich source of nitrogen, and certain bacteria including Rhodococcus and Gordonia, have evolved to thrive on the contaminants this explosive leaves behind," says Eltis.

With a voracious appetite for toxic chemical compounds and a near indestructibility (some can survive even high levels of nuclear radiation), Eltis describes bacteria as the "ultimate garbage incinerators."

This Genome BC-funded research, which is also funded by the US Military, presents a welcome alternative to the current option for cleanup at these sites: a costly and invasive process which involves removing the top layer of soil, carting it away by dump truck and burning it in an incinerator.