Current trends in trichloroethylene biodegradation: a review.

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Bioremediation science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a widespread environmental contaminant.
• Microbial biodegradation offers a sustainable remediation strategy for TCE.
• Understanding microbial pathways is crucial for effective TCE cleanup.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review recent advancements in microbial biodegradation of TCE.
• To summarize key findings on reductive dechlorination and aerobic co-metabolism processes.
• To highlight the role of various microbial communities in TCE degradation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent research on TCE biodegradation.
• Analysis of studies employing reductive dechlorination by anaerobic bacteria.
• Examination of aerobic co-metabolism using various bacterial, fungal, and actinomycete species.
• Discussion of biofiltration kinetics and molecular diversity assessments.

Main Results:

• Identified key bacterial genera (e.g., Dehalococcoides, Dehalobacter) for reductive dechlorination.
• Documented efficacy of genera like Pseudomonas and Rhodococcus in aerobic TCE biodegradation.
• Highlighted the use of mixed cultures, fungi, and Actinomycetes for aerobic degradation.
• Presented data on biofiltration kinetics and microbial community diversity.

Conclusions:

• Microbial biodegradation, through reductive dechlorination and aerobic co-metabolism, is a viable TCE remediation approach.
• Diverse microbial communities, including bacteria and fungi, contribute to TCE breakdown.
• Further application of metabolic engineering and molecular tools is essential to enhance TCE-degrading microbial robustness and diversity.