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Updated: May 5, 2026
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Development of Sulfidogenic Sludge from Marine Sediments and Trichloroethylene Reduction in an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor
Published on: October 15, 2015
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Kinetics of dechlorination by Dehalococcoides mccartyi using different carbon sources
Uwe Schneidewind1, Pieter Jan Haest2, Siavash Atashgahi3
1Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Environmental Modeling Unit, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; Ghent University, Department of Soil Management, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
Journal of Contaminant Hydrology
|November 27, 2013
Summary
Stimulated anaerobic dechlorination of chlorinated ethenes (CEs) requires added carbon sources for aquifer remediation. Native bacteria like Dehalococcoides mccartyi are present but require external support for complete degradation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Bioremediation
- Aquatic chemistry
Background:
- Anaerobic dechlorination of chlorinated ethenes (CEs) is vital for aquifer remediation.
- Accurate in situ process simulation necessitates understanding the biological reactions involved.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the dechlorination reaction of trichloroethene (TCE) in a contaminated aquifer.
- To assess the impact of different carbon sources and microbial biomarkers on dechlorination kinetics.
Main Methods:
- Batch cultures with various carbon sources were used to study TCE dechlorination.
- 16S rRNA gene-targeted quantitative PCR (qPCR) was employed to monitor Dehalococcoides mccartyi populations.
- Kinetic models including first-order, Michaelis-Menten, and Monod kinetics were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Reductive dechlorination of TCE occurred only with the addition of external carbon sources.
- TCE degradation correlated with an increased Dehalococcoides mccartyi cell count.
- Carbon source type, D. mccartyi cell numbers, and dehalogenase genes did not fully explain degradation rate variations.
Conclusions:
- Native dechlorinating bacteria are present in the Zenne River aquifer, but its oligotrophic nature limits complete degradation without external carbon.
- Current kinetic models do not perfectly simulate TCE dechlorination, highlighting the need for further research into microbial community interactions.
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