Isolation of bacteria and fungi from TNT-contaminated composts and preparation of 14C-ring labeled TNT

TNT and its transformation products constitute a special contamination problem for the military. In addition to their explosive properties, these compounds are toxic to animals, plants and microorganisms and thus have detrimental effects on both human health and natural ecosystems. Composting is under consideration as a biological method for treating munitions-contaminated soils. In order better to characterize the microbial consortia associated with composting, we have isolated both bacteria and fungi from TNT-contaminated soils and composts. Fungi were identified as members of the genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, Penicillium and Trichoderma. Isolates varied in their TNT tolerance on complex liquid and solid media. Finally, a simple method for preparing 14C-TNT is presented.