Phytoremediation of RDX explosive

Researchers at the University of York genetically engineered Arabidopsis thaliana plant to remove hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (Rdx) from contaminated soil and water. The group transformed the plant to express the bacterial xplA gene. Following confirmation that the genetically engineered plant removed and detoxified RDX from liquid media, the group grew it in RDX-contaminated soil. The plant resisted RDX toxicity and grew shoot and root biomass greater than wild type plants.