Biodegradation data are inconsistent. Another study found that natural surface water microorganisms could use 10 ppm 2,4-dinitrotoluene as a sole carbon source . 2,4-dinitrotoluene degraded slowly under anaerobic conditions . Aromatic nitro compounds are not susceptible to hydrolysis . In one experiment, 2,4-dinitrotoluene concentration did not change after 2 weeks incubation in sterile, natural water .
Further oxidation leads to a mixture of oxidation products.
Since it is highly probable that 2,4-dinitrotoluene will be adsorbed by suspended clay particles, these reactions are environmentally feasible on the clay surface, inasmuch as this surface provides basic reaction sites for ionization. 2,4-Dinitrotoluene was found in drinking water at an unspecified concentration and location . 2,4-Dinitrotoluene was qualitatively detected in groundwater samples near a munitions plant in Grand Island, NE, date not provided .