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

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Abstract

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), andM. 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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Environmental Biotechnology, University of Tennessee, 37932-2567, Knoxville, TN

    V. M. Korde, P. R. Bienkowski & D. C. White

  2. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Tennessee, 37996-2200, Knoxville, TN

    T. J. Phelps & P. R. Bienkowski

  3. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Environmental Sciences Division, 37831, Oak Ridge, TN

    T. J. Phelps & D. C. White

Authors
  1. V. M. Korde
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  2. T. J. Phelps
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  3. P. R. Bienkowski
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  4. D. C. White
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Korde, V.M., Phelps, T.J., Bienkowski, P.R. et al. Biodegradation of chlorinated aliphatics and aromatic compounds in total-recycle expanded-bed biofilm reactors. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 39, 631–641 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02919024

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