Degradation of chlorinated organic compounds by microbial mats
- Clark Atlanta Univ., GA (United States). Research Center for Science and Technology
- Skidaway Inst. of Oceanography, Savannah, GA (United States)
- Inst. of Paper Science and Technology, Atlanta, GA (United States)
An algal/bacterial consortium, or microbial mat, offers a unique combination for sequential reductive dechlorination and aerobic ring cleavage because of the close proximity of oxic and anoxic zones. Mineralization of octachlorocyclopentadine (chlordane), 2,2{prime}-4,4{prime}-5,5{prime}-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB), and trichloroethylene (TCE) by a microbial mat was demonstrated, as well as reduction in adsorbable organochlorine compounds (AOX) from pulp- and paper-mill effluent. Chlordane, in water, was 91% mineralized after 21 days and no parent compound remained. Most {sup 14}C was detected as large macromolecules, such as cellular protein. In the same time period, 17% of PCB was mineralized to {sup 14}CO{sub 2}. Chlordane, in sediments, was degraded more slowly. After 15 days, 199 {micro}g TCE/kg of microbial mat was mineralized compared to 147 {micro}g/kg in the presence of 20 mg/L zinc. AOX removal was 78% by day 1 and > 90% by day 7. Bioremediation systems designed for treatment of these recalcitrant compounds ideally should present a consortium of microbes that spontaneously generates heterogeneous microzones in close proximity, degrading microbes that can penetrate soils and sediments, and mechanisms that transport contaminated materials from the sediment into the region of high microbial density. The microbial mat biological system potentially offers these attributes.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC (United States); Agency for International Development, Washington, DC (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 479370
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950483-; ISBN 1-57477-010-1; TRN: IM9725%%131
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 3. international in situ and on-site bioreclamation symposium, San Diego, CA (United States), 24-27 Apr 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Biological unit processes for hazardous waste treatment; Hinchee, R.E.; Skeen, R.S. [eds.] [Battelle Memorial Inst., Columbus, OH (United States)]; Sayles, G.D. [ed.]; PB: 358 p.; Bioremediation, Volume 3(9)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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