Toxicity and uptake of cyclic nitramine explosives in ryegrass Lolium perenne

Environ Pollut. 2008 Nov;156(1):199-206. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2007.12.012. Epub 2008 Mar 20.

Abstract

Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX), and 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) are cyclic nitramines used as explosives. Their ecotoxicities have been characterized incompletely and little is known about their accumulation potential in soil organisms. We assessed the toxicity and uptake of these explosives in perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne L. exposed in a Sassafras sandy loam (SSL) or in a sandy soil (DRDC, CL-20 only) containing contrasting clay contents (11% and 0.3%, respectively). A 21-d exposure to RDX, HMX or CL-20 in either soil had no adverse effects on ryegrass growth. RDX and HMX were translocated to ryegrass shoots, with bioconcentration factors (BCF) of up to 15 and 11, respectively. In contrast, CL-20 was taken up by the roots (BCF up to 19) with no translocation to the shoots. These studies showed that RDX, HMX, and CL-20 can accumulate in plants and may potentially pose a risk of biomagnification across the food chain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aza Compounds / analysis
  • Aza Compounds / pharmacokinetics
  • Aza Compounds / toxicity
  • Azocines / analysis
  • Azocines / pharmacokinetics
  • Azocines / toxicity
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Explosive Agents / analysis
  • Explosive Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Explosive Agents / toxicity*
  • Heterocyclic Compounds / analysis
  • Heterocyclic Compounds / pharmacokinetics
  • Heterocyclic Compounds / toxicity
  • Lolium / drug effects*
  • Lolium / growth & development
  • Lolium / metabolism
  • Plant Roots / drug effects
  • Plant Roots / growth & development
  • Plant Roots / metabolism
  • Soil Pollutants / pharmacokinetics
  • Soil Pollutants / toxicity*
  • Triazines / analysis
  • Triazines / pharmacokinetics
  • Triazines / toxicity

Substances

  • 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaaza-isowurtzitane
  • Aza Compounds
  • Azocines
  • Explosive Agents
  • Heterocyclic Compounds
  • Soil Pollutants
  • Triazines
  • octogen
  • cyclonite