Simultaneous Aerobic Co-metabolism of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons using Novel Biocatalysts

摘要

Chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHCs) are a major class of pollutants found in contaminated soil or groundwater sites, particularly in developed countries. There are several identified microorganisms that degrade individual CHCs; however, consolidated biodegradation of multiple CHCs remains a challenge. This study shows the application of the MNE~(TM)technology for the aerobic biodegradation of multiple CHCs using a single strain of microorganism. Nine out of ten (9/10) CHCs were degraded to below 50 μg/L using a bench-scale configuration. The most abundant contaminant in the groundwater sample, 1,2-Dichloroethane, was degraded by 98% from 11 mg/L to 260 μg/L consistently by MNE biocatalysts. The results also show complete mineralization of compounds under aerobic conditions to form almost an equal amount of theoretical chloride ion, indicating negligible volatilization of CHCs and complete degradation by MNE biocatalysts. Overall, this study shows the promising application of MNE technology utilizing a single microorganism for aerobic co-metabolism of multiple CHCs when present in combination.