Biotransformation of chlorinated aliphatic compounds by mixed nitrifying cultures
- Oklahoma State Univ., Stillwater, OK (United States)
The ability of pure cultures of nitrifying bacteria, such as Nitrosomonas europaea, to oxidize chlorinated aliphatic compounds has been demonstrated previously in laboratory experiments. In the current study, mixed nitrifying cultures originating from a municipal wastewater plant were also tested for the ability to biotransform chlorinated aliphatic compounds, including trichloroethene (TCE). A number of variables were tested, including the effects of two different concentrations of TCE, the effect of culture density, and the influence of the primary substrate, ammonia, on the initial rate of TCE biotransformation. The primary conclusions of the research include the following. The mixed nitrifying cultures did exhibit the ability to transform TCE, and the initial rate of transformation (before oxygen limitations became significant) was directly proportional to the culture density. In general, the transformation rate of TCE was slightly faster at an initial concentration of 0.1 mg/L than at 1 mg/L. Lastly, high initial ammonia concentrations (300 mg/L) resulted in faster initial rates of TCE transformation than in cultures which started with lower ammonia concentrations.
- Research Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States); Amoco Production Co., Houston, TX (United States); Conoco, Inc., Stamford, CT (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 377172
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9509296--; ON: DE96001221
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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