Metabolic Engineering of Seaweeds for the Detoxification of TNT-Contaminated Marine Waters

Abstract: 

This project provided fundamental information on the ability of native marine macroalgae, commonly known as seaweed, to tolerate, take up, and metabolize the explosive compound 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) dissolved in seawater.
Research Objectives:
1) Determine the intrinsic capacity of tissue cultures derived from three model marine macroalgae to remove TNT dissolved in seawater;
2) Measure the kinetics of TNT metabolite formation and elucidate the pathways for TNT biotransformation within these organisms;
3) Assess the viability of marine seaweeds following TNT exposure and uptake.

Author(s): 
Gregory L. Rorrer
Keywords: 
seaweed
macroalgae
2, 4, 6,-tritroluene
TNT
seawater
uptake
metabolism
Article Source: 
Oregon State University
Category: 
Ecological Services
Seaweed composition
Uses of Seaweeds: Miscellaneous