Russian scientists have created an innovative technology that effectively cleans soil from a highly toxic component of rocket fuel. It is based on the use of Bacillus subtilis KK1112 bacteria and undemanding forage plants.
The application of this technology will allow the restoration of contaminated areas near cosmodromes and rocket test sites, which, in turn, will contribute to improving the ecological situation in the area, according to the Russian Science Foundation.
The toxic component of rocket fuel — unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine, also known as heptyl — forms compounds upon oxidation that cause mutations in DNA and pose a danger to living organisms.
Since some of the fuel ends up in the soil during rocket launches, researchers are actively seeking effective ways to clean up contaminated areas. As noted by the RSF, heptyl and its oxidation products are most effectively destroyed in the presence of plants and various soil microorganisms.
It is known that unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine and dangerous products of its oxidation are destroyed most quickly in areas where there are plants and a wide variety of soil microorganisms. Therefore, scientists believe that if the right cultures of bacteria and types of plants are selected, consortia (communities) can be created that will effectively clean soils from rocket fuel components.
Specialists from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, the Russian Biotechnological University, and the All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology have created a strain of Bacillus subtilis KK1112 bacteria. It is capable of effectively processing heptyl, the concentration of which exceeds the maximum permissible level by 200,000 times. As a result of processing, heptyl is converted into safe compounds.
The resulting preparation was added to the seedlings of widespread and undemanding forage grasses: smooth brome (Bromus inermis), hybrid alfalfa (Medicago varia), and timothy grass (Phleum pratense).
During the experiment, scientists placed samples in containers with water containing heptyl and without it. The duration of the experiment was seven days. After that, the researchers used bacterial luminescent biosensors to determine the toxicity of the samples.
The results showed that Bacillus subtilis KK1112 bacteria most effectively neutralize the toxic substance in combination with smooth brome seedlings.
In essence, we have created a natural cleaning system in which bacteria and plants jointly destroy dangerous compounds and restore soil fertility. This is an environmentally friendly and economically viable way to solve a serious environmental problem.
He noted that the development opens up new horizons for the restoration of areas affected by rocket launches. Similar consortia can be created to address other industrial pollution, and their effectiveness can be assessed using biosensors. The study showed that bacteria not only effectively clean the environment but are also able to protect seedlings from harmful compounds, ensuring their normal development even in polluted conditions.
Earlier, OmSTU found a way to make the spent stages of Soyuz-2 rockets more environmentally friendly. They created an innovative method that allows the safe disposal of residual liquid fuel formed in the toroidal tank of the spent rocket stage. This method does not harm the environment.
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