Doctor A. Morrie Craig, a toxicology expert and retired professor, has demonstrated the degradation of nitroaromatic compounds and the extraction of toxic chemicals left by munitions by microorganisms in the guts of ruminant animals, notably sheep. His research aims to advance "phyto-ruminal-bioremediation," which involves using certain grasses that can extract toxins from the soil and the microorganisms found in the digestive system of ruminant animals, such as sheep. Dr. Morrie Craig conducted pioneering research using sheep and the microorganisms in their guts for toxin and munitions clearance from land.

Recent studies have shown that microorganisms in ruminants, notably sheep and specific species of grass, can biodegrade various toxins, including munition residues, in the soil. These two processes have led to a new agricultural approach called phyto-ruminal-bioremediation, a term coined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

One application of this technology involves using sheep to clear pastures of plants containing toxins like pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Additionally, specific grass species, the cool-season grasses, such as tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and orchard grass, are used to clean up areas contaminated with munition residues, such as those left behind after wars, particularly in the Middle East.

When a bomb or artillery shell explodes, approximately 15 percent of the munitions remain as non-oxidized toxic residue in the soil, persisting even after many years. Phyto-ruminal-bioremediation has the potential to revitalize war-torn areas, transforming them into sustainable pastures for animal and food production.

In-vitro studies have also demonstrated the ability of ruminal microbes in sheep's guts to effectively degrade TNT, RDX, and HMX, common explosives found in munitions. These ruminal microbes break down these compounds into non-toxic metabolites and small molecules within hours, contrasting with the slower degradation observed in soil bacteria.

Moreover, feeding sheep radiolabeled TNT has allowed researchers to track the breakdown of products and their distribution within the sheep's bodies. These studies have confirmed that ruminal microbes play a crucial role in the degradation process, resulting in the safe excretion of non-toxic metabolites.