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U.S. Department of Energy
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Biological reductive dechlorination of chlorinated ethylenes: Implications for natural attenuation and biostimulation

Conference ·
OSTI ID:250897
 [1]
  1. Pennsylvania State Univ., Harrisburg, PA (United States)
Chlorinated organic compounds are the most frequently found contaminants at many hazardous waste sites and industrial facilities. Numerous industries use chlorinated organics such as tetrachloroethylene also known as perchloroethylene (PCE) -- and trichloroethylene (TCE), as degreasing agents, paint strippers, and in textile processing. These solvents are often detected as soil and ground water contaminants due to improper storage and disposal practices. Laboratory and full-scale investigations have proven that complete biological transformation of PCE and TCE is possible under anaerobic conditions. Biological treatment of chlorinated ethenes has received much interest due to the prevalence of these contaminants and the need to develop technologies that destroy contaminants rather than transfer them to other media. The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the biological process by which anaerobic bacteria biodegrade chlorinated ethylenes. The benefits of this process are discussed along with key findings that may be employed to determine if dechlorination is occurring under natural conditions. Requirements of these bacteria are described and an assessment of future research needs is provided.
OSTI ID:
250897
Report Number(s):
CONF-9507204--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English