Development of a biodegradable ethylene glycol dinitrate-based explosive

Abstract

Bacteria capable of degrading ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN) were isolated under aerobic and, carbon and nitrogen-limiting conditions from EGDN contaminated soil and rivers. EGDN degradation was monitored using HPLC and UV–Vis spectrometer. Among the isolated strains Bacillus subtilis GN was the best, completely degrading 6.6 mM EGDN with the concomitant release of nitrite and EGMN within 72 h. Furthermore, the level of toxicity of EGDN as measured by the bioluminescent bacteria, Vibrio fischeri was reduced by 80% when 100% of the 6.6 mM EGDN was degraded. An environmentally friendly “biodegradable explosives”, was achieved by adsorbing B. subtilis GN spores onto the wood flour, an ingredient of the explosive. The incorporation of B. subtilis GN spores into the explosive formulation did not affect the quality of the explosive as confirmed by the almost unchanged detonation velocity (3410 ms −1 compared to 3500 ms −1 of the control), autoignition temperature, Abel test, shock and friction sensitivity test. It was also possible to achieve rapid degradation of the residues after detonation upon exposure to air and moisture.