Biodegradation: Environmental Biotechnology

Life on this planet is based on the continuous cycle of elements. The massive mobilization of natural resources and the industrial synthesis of chemicals have generated number of problems as a consequence of limited incorporation of natural and synthesized molecules into ongoing biological cycle. Number of aromatic compounds has wide range of applications. Among these nitro aromatic compounds like 2,4,6-tri-nitrotoluene (TNT) is more recalcitrant (Nunez et al.,1998). TNT was first made in 1863 by a German chemist, Joseph Wilband, but its potential was not seen for several years, mainly because it was so hard to detonate and because it was less powerful than other explosive. Amongst its advantages, however, are that it can be safely melted using steam or hot water and so poured molten into shell cases. It is also insensitive that, for example, in 1910 it was exempted from the British 1875 Explosive Act, from actually being considered as an explosive for the purposes of manufacturing and storage.The US EPA has listed TNT as a priority pollutant and has recommended its removal from contaminated sites. The highest amount of TNT was produced at the end of World War II.