THESIS TITLE

Environmental toxicity and remediation of insensitive munition compound 2, 4-dinitroanisole

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Bioremediation of energetic compounds is a site-specific process wherein the success of remediation is influenced by many factors influencing a particular site. This study will investigate the extent of remediation of energetic compounds particular to Australian soil and water ecosystems.  Prasath will investigate the toxicity and remediation of the emerging explosive compound dinitroanisole (DNAN), which is emerging as a less toxic alternative to TNT. Given the current lack of information on the environmental risk of DNAN, there is a need for further research in this area. Should DNAN use increase considerably, it is inevitable that it, or its constituents and by-products, will enter the environment.

This project also examines the relationship between soil characteristics and the toxicity of energetic compounds (e.g. explosives). In particular, Prasath will evaluate the bioavailability of toxic energetic compounds to exposed organisms with a view to evaluating the bioremediation process.

The specific objectives of this study include:

• determining the  persistence of selected explosives in soils with varying physico-chemical properties

• investigating the explosives’ toxicity to terrestrial and aquatic biota 

• evaluating bioremediation approaches for contaminated soil and water.

STUDENT PROFILE

Prasath has a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India. He has completed two masters degrees, one in microbiology from Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, India, and one in accounting from Central Queensland University.

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