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Title: Microbial biomass and activities associated with subsurface environments contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons

Journal Article · · Geomicrobiology Journal; (USA)

Soil microcosms and enrichment cultures from subsurface sediments and ground waters contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE) were examined. Total lipids, (1-C{sub 14})acetate incorporation into lipids, and (Me{sup 3}H)thymidine incorporation into DNA were determined in these subsurface environments. In heavily TCE-contaminated zones radioisotopes were not incorporated into lipids or DNA. Radioisotope incorporation occurred in sediments both above and below the TCE plume. Phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) were not detected, i.e., < 0.5 pmol/L in heavily contaminated groundwater samples. In less contaminated waters, extracted PLFA concentrations were greater than 100 pmol/L and microbial isolates were readily obtained. Degradation of 30-100 mg/L TCE was observed when sediments were amended with a variety of energy sources. Microorganisms in these subsurface sediments have adapted to degrade TCE at concentrations greater than 50 mg/L. 34 refs., 4 figs., 4 tabs.

OSTI ID:
6949467
Journal Information:
Geomicrobiology Journal; (USA), Vol. 6:3-4; ISSN 0149-0451
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English