ANAEROBIC BIOTRANSFORMATION OF NITROCELLULOSE

In this investigation, first the toxic effect of nitrocellulose (NC) on anaerobic microorganisms with an without the presence of a supplementary carbon source was evaluated. Then it was observed that with the addition of a supplementary carbon source, such as cellulose or acetate, biotransformation of NC was enhanced. The biodegradation rate of NC in a staged-feed and in a two-phase reactor under anaerobic conditions was evaluated. The results showed that providing cellulose as the supplementary carbon source, NC was degraded at a higher rate in a staged-feed reactor than in a two-phase reactor or in a batch reactor.