Work

New weapons explosive exhibits persistent toxicity in plants

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Explosives are widespread, toxic and persistent environmental pollutants. 2,4-Dinitroanisole (DNAN) is being phased in to replace 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in munitions. Here we demonstrate that only low levels of DNAN are detoxified in Arabidopsis, leaving it to remain as a substrate for monodehydroascorbate reductase 6 mediated chronic phytotoxicity. Enhancing the potential for environmental toxicity, DNAN is readily transported to the aerial tissues exposing this toxin to herbivores and the wider food chain.

Source: Nature Plants

DOI: 10.1038/s41477-024-01863-0

Authors: Nicola C. Oates, Edward R. Nay, Timothy J. Cary, Elizabeth L. Rylott, Neil C. Bruce

Institutions: University of York, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, United States Army, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $12,290

Funders: U.S. Department of Defense, Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program