Use of poultry litter for biodegradation of soil contaminated with 2,4- and 2,6-dinitrotoluene

Pseudomonas sp. and Pseudomonas putida can utilize dinitrotoluene (DNT) as N-source after the enzymatic removal of nitro groups from the aromatic ring. Addition of nutrients is known to stimulate the biodegradation process. Poultry litter has consortia of microorganisms (including Pseudomonas) along with many nutrients. The objective of this research was to study the biodegradation of 2,4- and 2,6-DNT contaminated soil (from Badger Army Ammunition Plant) using poultry litter. Complete biodegradation of both 2,4- and 2,6-DNT in the soil was observed after 1-day interaction with poultry litter. No degradation was observed using autoclaved litter.