The reported study evaluated the feasibility of rhizosphereenhanced phytoremediation in the removal of nitroglycerin (NG), as applied in commercial smokeless powder (SP), from soil. Double base smokeless powder was applied to soil mesocosms at rates of 0, 1, 5 and 10% (w/w). The mesocosms were seeded with oats (Avena sativa) or planted with live sedge plants (Carex vulpinoidea). Composted biosolids (20% w/w) were used as a soil treatment. Mesocosms were sampled at 7, 14, 30, and 60 days after initial planting. Determination of residual soil NG was performed using gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. Both plant species were capable of modest NG uptake (146.0 and 87.5mg·kg-1 for sedge and oat, respectively at the 10% SP rate). Only modest quantities of NG removal were accounted for by abiotic processes such as soil sorption. Soil bacterial numbers remained relatively constant regardless of rate of SP application. Microbial activity in the plant rhizosphere was concluded to be the major contributor to NG solubilization and decomposition. Addition of composted biosolids to soil imparted a positive effect in NG decomposition and/or removal from soil. Additional study is needed to determine long-term decomposition of smokeless powder and subsequent NG reactions in soil.
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