Methods and compositions for degradation of nitroaromatic and nitramine pollutants

Abstract

The invention relates to novel Methylobacterium species that are capable of degrading nitroaromatic and nitramine compounds. Compositions, kits and methods of using the Methylobacterium species for the degradation of nitroaromatic and nitramine pollutants are provided. More specifically, compositions and methods for the degradation or bioremediation of nitroaromatic and nitramine explosives and explosive residues are provided.

1 . (canceled)  
     
     
         2 . An isolated  Methylobacterium  comprising a nucleotide sequence having at least 95% identity to the 16S ribosomal DNA and 16S-23S IGS DNA sequence of nucleotides 1-2110 of SEQ ID NO: 1, and wherein said isolated  Methylobacterium  degrades nitramine and nitroaromatic compounds.  
     
     
         3 . A composition comprising: 
 a  Methylobacterium  comprising a nucleotide sequence having at least 95% identity to the 16S ribosomal DNA and 16S-23S IGS DNA sequence of nucleotides 1-2110 of SEQ ID NO: 1, and wherein said isolated  Methylobacterium  degrades nitramine and nitroaromatic compounds; and    a nitroaromatic or a nitramine compound.    
     
     
         4 . A composition comprising: 
 an aqueous slurry of solid material comprising a nitroaromatic or a nitramine compound, wherein said aqueous slurry is 30% solid material (w/w); and    a  Methylobacterium  comprising a nucleotide sequence having at least 95% identity to the 16S ribosomal DNA and 16S-23S IGS DNA sequence of nucleotides 1-2110 of SEQ ID NO: 1, and wherein said isolated  Methylobacterium  degrades nitramine and nitroaromatic compounds.    
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 3 , wherein said  Methylobacterium  species is present at a density of 10 9  cells/ml or greater.  
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 3 , having a pH in the range of pH 3.0 to pH 11.0.  
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 6 , wherein the pH is in the range of pH 6.0 to pH 8.0.  
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 3  which is at an oxygen saturation of 5% to 100%  
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 8  which is at an oxygen saturation of 20% to 100%.  
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 3 , further comprising an additional microbial species.  
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein said additional microbial species is another member of the genus  Methylobacterium.    
     
     
         12 . A preparation comprising a viable, dried  Methylobacterium  comprising a nucleotide sequence having at least 95% identity to the 16S ribosomal DNA and 16S-23S IGS DNA sequence of nucleotides 1-2110 of SEQ ID NO: 1, and wherein said viable, dried  Methylobacterium  degrades nitramine and nitroaromatic compounds  
     
     
         13 . The preparation of  claim 12 , further comprising an additional microbial species.  
     
     
         14 . The preparation of  claim 13 , wherein said additional microbial species is another member of the genus  Methylobacterium.    
     
     
         15 . The preparation of  claim 12 , further comprising one or more nutrients for said  Methylobacterium.    
     
     
         16 . A kit for the degradation of a nitramine or nitroaromatic compound, the kit comprising a  Methylobacterium  comprising a nucleotide sequence having at least 95% identity to the 16S ribosomal DNA and 16S-23S IGS DNA sequence of nucleotides 1-2110 of SEQ ID NO: 1, and wherein said isolated  Methylobacterium  degrades nitramine and nitroaromatic compounds.