Effect of mycorrhizal fungi on the phytoremediation of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX).

The objective of this research was to decrease the bioaccumulation of RDX (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) in the leaves of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and hybrid poplar trees (Populus deltoides x nigra, DN34) by exploiting the symbiotic relationship between these plants and mycorrhizal fungi. Prior to dosing with uniformly labeled (14)C-RDX, plants were grown for three months to establish the symbiosis. Results showed that the presence of mycorrhizal fungi does not significantly decrease the concentration of RDX in leaf tissues for experimental periods of 30 days. Results also indicated that a radiolabeled volatile organic compound was emitted by both plant species. This is the first evidence that a whole plant can facilitate the transformation of RDX to a volatile organic chemical.