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Enhanced PCE dechlorination by biobarrier systems under different redox conditions
1Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan. jkao@mail.nsysu.edu.tw
Water Research
|November 8, 2003
Summary
Cane molasses and sludge cakes effectively enhance tetrachloroethylene (PCE) biodegradation under methanogenic conditions. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using these materials in biobarriers for cleaning PCE-contaminated groundwater.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Microbiology
- Bioremediation
Background:
- Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) is a widespread groundwater contaminant.
- Effective bioremediation strategies are needed for chlorinated solvent pollution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cane molasses and sludge cakes for enhancing PCE biodegradation.
- To evaluate the potential of biobarriers using these substrates for aquifer remediation.
Main Methods:
- Biodegradability tests using bioavailability experiments.
- Chemical oxygen demand (COD) analysis.
- Microcosm experiments to evaluate reductive dechlorination under methanogenic and iron-reducing conditions.
Main Results:
- Biodegradable materials were released from sludge cake and cane molasses, supporting microbial consortia.
- Significant PCE to ethylene (ETH) conversion potential was observed based on COD.
- Sludge cake and cane molasses enhanced PCE reductive dechlorination under methanogenic conditions.
- Insufficient evidence for PCE dechlorination under iron-reducing conditions.
Conclusions:
- Sludge cake and cane molasses are feasible substrates for PCE bioremediation.
- Biobarriers using these materials show promise for cleaning PCE-contaminated aquifers.
- Further research is needed on the role of iron reduction in PCE dechlorination.