Reduction of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene by Clostridium acetobutylicum through hydroxylamino-nitrotoluene intermediates

Studies were conducted to isolate and identify intermediates of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) transformation by Clostridium acetobutylicum and to quantify their concentrations in active whole cell cultures. Only two intermediates of TNT reduction were detected in cell cultures and were identified as 4-hydroxylamino-2,6-dinitrotoluene and 2,4-dihydroxylamino-6-nitrotoluene. Structures were confirmed with 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and desorption chemical ionization mass spectroscopy. When cells were suspended in a non-growth saline medium, both hydroxylamine forms accumulated. In media capable of supporting cell growth, the 2,4-dihydroxylamino-6-nitrotoluene accumulated with concentrations of 4-hydroxylamino-2,6-dinitrotoluene remaining near detection limits. Studies using purified 2,4-dihydroxylamino-6-nitrotoluene confirmed that its biotransformation rate in active cultures greatly exceeded abiotic decomposition in aqueous medium.