Microbiological Decontamination of Pentachlorophenol-Contaminated Natural Waters

摘要

Inoculation of pentachlorophenol-contaminated natural waters with cells of a pentachlorophenol-degrading Flavobacterium was shown to be an effective method for decontamination of PCB-polluted aquatic environments. Numerous types of waters were decontaminated, including: river water, lake water, and groundwater. Decontamination was most effective between 15 C and 30 C, and between pH 7.5 and pH 9.0. Inoculation of waters with as few as 10,000 cells/ml resulted in effective PCP removal. PCB concentrations between 10 ppb and 100 ppm were reduced to undetectable levels, usually within 48 hours. Microbiological decontamination of PCP-polluted waters appears to be a promising waste treatment alternative when compared to traditional treatment techniques.