Picric acid (2,4,6-trinitrophenol) is one of the toxic nitroaromatic compounds present in over 1000 munition sites in the United States, and this constitutes a major environmental and human health hazard. In a laboratory study, 250 mg/l of picric acid was degraded in an aqueous medium with Fenton's reagent [acidified ferrous (Fe(2+)) solution and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))]. Different dosages of Fe(2+) and H(2)O(2) were employed to investigate the efficiency of the degradation.
Picric acid is used in the production of explosives, matches, and electric batteries. It is also used in etching copper and manufacturing colored glass, in the leather industry, and in the synthesis of dyes. Picric acid is very unstable and is a flammmable/combustible material. It may be ignited by heat, sparks, or flames. Dried-out picric acid may explode if expose to heat, flame, friction, or shock, and should be treated as an explosive. Picric acid can react vigorously with oxidizing materials, and it can form unstable salts with concrete, ammonia, bases, and metals.
doses of tannic acid (0.5 to 1.0 percent) daily for 3 days
