Transformation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene into toxic hydroxylamino derivatives by lactobacilli

Lactobacilli isolated from different ecological niches were capable of part ial nitroreduction of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) to hydroxylaminodinitroto luenes (HADNT) at a high rate (up to 9.3 nmol/(min mg dry biomass)). For th e most active (with respect to the reaction rate) strains, Lactobacillus fe rmentum BS3601 and Lactobacillus plantarum BS3604, the extent of transforma tion comprised 95-97%. An inverse correlation was found between the ability to trans-form TNT and the resistance of bacteria to its toxic action. The inhibitory effects of TNT and HADNT on the activities of glucose-6-phosphat e dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAP DH) in cell extracts of lactobacilli were revealed.