Bacteria composting

RDX and HMX are rather more recalcitrant, especially under aerobic conditions, but there are promising indications that biodegradation can occur under some conditions, especially composting (67). Several strains of bacteria able to use RDX (and Triazine) as a sole source of nitrogen for growth have recentiy been isolated, and this is an area where rapid progress is being made. 

Although very good rates of biodegradation have been claimed in composting tests it is stated that biodegradation will only occur where there is sufficient moisture and concentration of soil bacteria and fungi and somewhat elevated temperatures. 

Schoenfeld J, Gelsomino A, Van Overbeek LS, Gorissen A, Smalla K, Van Elsas JD (2003) Effects of compost addition and simulated solarisation on the fate of Ralstonia solanacearum biovar 2 and indigenous bacteria in soil. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 43 63-74. doi 10.1111/j. 1574-6941,2003.tb01046.x... 

Composting is a biological process mediated by microbes belonging to the kingdom Protest, which includes bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, and virus particles (Table 12.2). Microbes can be classified into metabolic types based on the carbon and energy sources utilized by the cell. Autotrophs use carbon dioxide as a... 

Lemunier M, Francou C, Rousseaux S, Houot S, Dantigny P, Piveteau P, Guzzo J (2005) Longterm survival of pathogenic and sanitation indicator bacteria in experimental biowaste composts. Appl Environ Microbiol 71 5779-5786... 

Unbelievable as it may sound, a single teaspoonful of fertile soil can contain more bacteria and fungi than the number of humans living on the planet. These microorganisms, which are invisible to the naked eye, break down compost, manure, and other organic materials that are added to the soil, to provide a steady supply of nutrients for plants to take up. Their activities also help to... 

Waste gas is first drawn in through the air/water separator, used to remove impurities in the air such as water droplets, solid particles, etc. The effluent then travels to the trickling filter, which is a packed column of very porous polymer material. The use of a polymer as the packing material enhances mass transfers between the liquid and gas. The polymer can fix a large culmre of specific bacteria capable of degrading contaminants found in the liquid phase. The trickling filter is followed by a compost-based biofilter that removes residual contaminants. 

A methanotrophic biofilter is a biofilter in which methanotrophs are present. In a biofilter, a gas- or aqueous-phase contaminant stream is passed through a media on which the bacteria are growing. The media can be of several different materials, including compost, peat, soil material, or granular activated carbon. Specific strains of bacteria may be introduced into the filter and optimal conditions provided to preferentially degrade specific compounds. 

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