PNNL

Abstract

The organophosphorous compounds, diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP) and dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), are of interest to national security and also play a role as environmental contaminants. Research on the degradation products and their toxicities in diverse matrices is needed. This study describes instrumental and sample preparation techniques used to identify and monitor these compounds and their degradation products in agar, saliva, serum, and aqueous media with the purpose of producing a degradation analysis model for analogous compounds of interest. Residue analysis using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and headspace sampling followed by GC/MS were the methods developed for analysis. DIMP and DMMP were successfully analyzed in agar, saliva, serum, and aqueous matrices. The methods were extended to analyze for DIMP and DMMP and their degradation products after fungal decontamination with Poria Cocos. This bioremediation technique could lay the groundwork for clean up of areas contaminated with these and similar compounds. The fungal-based technology will be potentially applicable to decontaminate personnel, equipment, structures, and wide-area sites without damage to items and/or individuals.