Compendium of Technical Papers on the Reductive Dechlorination of Chlorinated Solvents.
Abstract
This compendium of technical papers represents three years of work in the investigation of the anaerobic biodegradation of tetrachloroethylene (PCE). Cornell researchers had previously developed a methanol (MeOH)/PCE enrichment culture which dechlorinates high concentrations of PCE and other chlorinated ethenes to ethene (ETH), representing complete detoxification. This culture dechlorinates PCE at unprecedented, high rates with efficient use of MeOH as the electron donor for reductive dechlorination. However, research at Cornell showed that MeOH was not the direct donor for PCE dechlorination, but rather H2. MeOH and other reductants found to support dechlorination merely serve as H2 precursors. Three alternative electron donors (ethanol, butyrate, and lactate) were evaluated to circumvent the problem of methanogenic competition for the supplied donor. The final selected substrate was used in a continuous-flow reactor study with the H2/PCE enrichment culture. Engineering studies examined the kinetics of, chlorinated ETH utilization, with emphasis on vinyl chloride (VC) dechlorination to ETH. Acclimation and induction issues were explored. Microbiological studies towards a better understanding of the nature and the requirements of the dechlorinating organisms were explored. The nutrition of the dechlorinating organisms was examined with the goal of finding and identifying reliable high-potency sources if the nutrients.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA354532
Entities
People
- J. M. Gossett
- S. H. Zinder
Organizations
- Cornell University School of Civil and Environmental Engineering