Abstract : Amino surfactants at alkaline pHs precipitate 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) as a water insoluble complex. Mutagenicity studies indicated these complexes were more potent mutagens than TNT. Soil leaching studies demonstrated that in situ immobilization of TNT in contaminated soils would not be advisable due to the large quantities of surfactant required, the leaching of excess surfactant and sodium hydroxide organic matter extracts into the groundwater, and the inability of the surfactant treatment to immobilize TNT microbial reduction products. Biodegradation studies in soil and water showed there are potential problems with the long term stability of these complexes. Water soluble materials were produced nonbiologically. These compounds were not TNT or any of seven TNT reduction products. Upon concentration, mutagenic activity was found with the filtrate after treatment and filtration of Composition B waste water with Duoquad T-50 at pH 11 in a pilot scale facility.
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