Ukrainian scientists have developed a new explosives disposal technology, the Biochemical Laboratory at the Sevastopol Institute of Nuclear Power research associate Gennady Baranov has revealed.

RIA Novosti has quoted an associate as saying, "It is an organic mixture that ‘consumes’ explosives and chemicals, producing an absolutely pure fertiliser."

The bacterium, when poured on an artillery shell, takes between 15 and 115 days to eat through the explosive and leaves the metal intact for recycling.

The composition of the patented mixture has not been disclosed.