Cyclic nitramines are a class of compounds that include most of the commonly used explosives today. These are among the most common toxicants released into the environment as a result of human activity, generated on military ranges, battlefields, and production sites. Of these, hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5- triazine (RDX) is of particular interest,...
A simple, fast liquid-liquid extraction method was developed for studying hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5 triazine (RDX) biodegradation using small sample volumes. The method was tested
in vitro with anaerobic incubations of RDX with whole rumen fluid (WRF) and a commercial S.
acetigenes strain in methanogenic media for RDX. Additionally, validation experiments were
conducted...
“Perennial ryegrass staggers” is a neurological condition characterized by muscular tremors and ataxia in livestock that ingest the indole diterpene lolitrem B from endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass. While the neurotoxic mechanism of action of ryegrass staggers has been defined, little is known about metabolic and other molecular processes that lolitrem B...
Perennial ryegrass (PRG, Lolium perenne) is a hardy cool-season grass that is infected with the endophytic fungus Neotyphodium lolii, which enables the plant to be insect repellant and drought resistant, lowering the use of insecticides and fertilizers. However, this fungus produces the compound lolitrem B (LB, m/z 686.4) which causes...
The manufacturing processes of royal demolition explosive (RDX), or hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine, have resulted in
serious water contamination. As a potential carcinogen, RDX can cause a broad range of harmful effects to humans and
animals. The ovine rumen is capable of rapid degradation of nitroaromatic compounds, including RDX. While ruminal RDX-degrading
bacteria...
Cyclic nitramines released into all environmental compartments through anthropogenic activities are toxic and possibly carcinogenic and mutagenic. Soils on military ranges, located throughout the world in various climatic regions and close to human activities, are especially susceptible to cyclic nitramine contamination. The properties of soils on military ranges will directly...