Related Experiment Videos
Anaerobic bacteria that dechlorinate perchloroethene
B Z Fathepure1, J P Nengu, S A Boyd
1Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|November 1, 1987
Summary
Specific anaerobic bacteria, including strain DCB-1 and Methanosarcina, were found to effectively dechlorinate perchlorethene (PCE). These bacteria show promise for bioremediation applications, with enhanced rates observed in a consortium.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Bioremediation
- Anaerobic Respiration
Background:
- Perchlorethene (PCE) is a persistent environmental pollutant.
- Bioremediation using anaerobic bacteria offers a sustainable degradation pathway.
- Identifying effective microbial strains is crucial for PCE cleanup strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific anaerobic bacterial cultures capable of dechlorinating perchlorethene (PCE).
- To compare the dechlorination efficiency of identified strains with existing bioremediation methods.
- To investigate the potential for enhanced dechlorination rates in microbial consortia.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and culturing of anaerobic bacteria from environmental samples.
- Incubation of bacterial cultures with PCE as the sole electron acceptor.
- Quantification of PCE dechlorination using gas chromatography.
- Growth of strain DCB-1 in a methanogenic consortium.
Main Results:
- Strain DCB-1, an obligate anaerobe, demonstrated significant PCE dechlorination.
- Two strains of Methanosarcina also exhibited notable PCE dechlorination capabilities.
- The PCE dechlorination rate by strain DCB-1 was comparable to trichloroethene bio-oxidation rates by methanotrophs.
- Co-culturing DCB-1 in a methanogenic consortium resulted in even higher PCE dechlorination rates.
Conclusions:
- Specific anaerobic bacteria, notably strain DCB-1 and Methanosarcina, are effective dechlorinating agents for PCE.
- Strain DCB-1 shows potential for PCE bioremediation, with rates competitive with other microbial processes.
- Methanogenic consortia can enhance the PCE dechlorination activity of specific anaerobic bacteria, suggesting synergistic bioremediation potential.