Individual biotransformation rates in chlorinated aliphatic mixtures

Journal Article · Thu Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1996 · Journal of Environmental Engineering

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9372(1996)122:2(99)· OSTI ID:201148

Hughes, J B ^[1]; Parkin, G F ^[2]

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1. Rice Univ., Houston, TX (United States). Dept. of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
2. Univ. of Iowa, Iowa City, IA (United States). Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Anaerobic biotransformation of chlorinated aliphatics has been widely studied over the past decade, and anaerobic bioremediation is considered a promising technique for restoration of contaminated aquifers. Studies using batch cultures and continuously fed attached-growth systems investigated the effect of mixtures of chlorinated aliphatics on the anaerobic biotransformation rates of individual components of the mixture. Dichloromethane (DCM), chloroform (CF), and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA) were selected for study because of their frequent detection in groundwater. Biotransformation of CF and TCA occurred in all systems. When CF and TCA were fed together, transformation rates for both aliphatics were lower than when fed individually. DCM generally had minor to negligible effects on the transformation of CF and TCA, but in one case, it caused a slight but statistically significant decrease in TCA transformation (p = 0.05). DCM transformation was not observed when fed individually or in mixtures to batch resting cultures, so the effect of CF and TCA on DCM transformation could not be determined.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 201148
• Journal Information: Journal of Environmental Engineering, Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Engineering Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 122; ISSN 0733-9372; ISSN JOEEDU
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ANAEROBIC CONDITIONS
AQUIFERS
BIODEGRADATION
CHLORINATED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS
CHLOROFORM
CONTINUOUS CULTURE
REMEDIAL ACTION
WATER POLLUTION