Biodegradation of chlorinated aliphatics and aromatic compounds in total-recycle expanded-bed biofilm reactors

Journal Article · · Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02919024· OSTI ID:6488012

Korde, V M; Bienkowski, P R ^[1]; Phelps, T J; White, D C ^[2]

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1. Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (United States)
2. Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (United States) Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)

Ground-water contamination by chlorinated aliphatic compounds is a major cause for concern because of their toxicity. This study examined the biodegradation of trichloroethylene and aromatic compounds by microbial consortia enriched from contaminated subsurface sediments. The consortia were capable of utilizing methane and propane as sources of carbon and energy. Two continuously recycled expanded-bed bioreactors were inoculated with (1) the subsurface consortium, and (2) P. fluorescence, P. putida (strains pRB1401 and pWWO), and M. trichosporium OB3b. An uninoculated reactor containing 0.2% sodium azide and 0.5% formalin served as the control. Methane (5% v/v) and propane (3% v/v) were maintained by batch feeding through the course of the experiment. Greater than 97% degradation of trichloroethylene was observed over a period of 12 d. More than 99% of benzene, toluene, and xylene were degraded within the first 7 d. Dissolved oxygen levels were measured and found to be in the range 4.9-6.5 mg/L throughout the experiments. 23 refs., 4 figs., 2 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 6488012
• Journal Information: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology; (United States), Journal Name: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology; (United States) Vol. 39-40; ISSN 0273-2289; ISSN ABIBDL
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540120* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
AROMATICS
BIODEGRADATION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHLORINATED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS
DECOMPOSITION
GROUND WATER
HALOGENATED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
WATER