Use of poly-beta-hydroxy-butyrate as a slow-release electron donor for the microbial reductive dechlorination of TCE.
In situ anaerobic reductive dechlorination, using slow-release electron donors, is emerging as an effective and sustainable (low-cost and low-maintenance) technology to remediate aquifers contaminated by chloroethenes. In the present study, we investigated the use of poly-beta-hydroxy-butyrate (PHB), a fully biodegradable polymer, as a slow-release source of hydrogen and acetate for the reductive dechlorination of trichloroethene (TCE). Results of this study indicated that TCE dechlorination in PHB-amended microcosms was 2.3-times higher than in non-amended controls. This higher activity was explained by a higher H(2) level in PHB-amended microcosms. As usual, acetate was the major sink (approximately 90%) of reducing equivalents available from PHB degradation, whereas no acetotrophic dechlorination was observed.
Aulenta
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F
Department of Chemistry "Stanislao Cannizzaro", University of Rome La Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
Fuoco
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M
Canosa
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A
Petrangeli Papini
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M
Majone
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M
D000085:Acetates / Q000737:chemistry; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002713:Chlorine / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000737:chemistry; D006885:Hydroxybutyrates / Q000737:chemistry*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry*; D014241:Trichloroethylene / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D014871:Water Microbiology; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods; D000094122:Polyhydroxybutyrates
D000085:Acetates; D002713:Chlorine; D006859:Hydrogen; D006885:Hydroxybutyrates; D011091:Polyesters; D014241:Trichloroethylene; C003182:poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate; D000094122:Polyhydroxybutyrates