Kinetics of Aerobic Cometabolism of Chlorinated Solvents
Abstract
The objectives of this paper are to review the wide range of kinetic models that have been introduced to describe the cometabolic degradation of chlorinated solvents, to compare modeling approaches and associated experimental data, and to discuss knowledge gaps in the general topic of cometabolism kinetics. To begin, a brief description of the mechanism of oxygenase enzyme metabolism and its qualitative effects on cometabolic degradation kinetics is given. Next, a variety of kinetic expressions that have been used to describe cometabolism, ranging from adaptation of simple metabolic relationships to the development of complex equations that account for intracellular concentration of key reaction species, are presented. A large number of kinetic coefficients published for a variety of oxygenase populations degrading a broad range of chlorinated solvents are categorized and compared. The discussion section of the paper contains an exploration of knowledge gaps that exist in our understanding of the kinetics of aerobic chlorinated solvent cometabolism. Specific topics covered include: - the use of Michaelis-Menton/Monod half saturation constants (Ksc and Ksg) as estimated for inhibition constants (Kisc and Kisg) in modeling expressions, - the specific nature of chlorinated solvent induced product toxicity and the capability for cells to recover from toxic effects, and - methods for incorporating reducing energy generation into cometabolism models. Finally, the applicability of the broad range of kinetic modeling approaches to scale-up and field applications for in situ bioremediation of chlorinated solvents is discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA585800
Entities
People
- Gerald E. Speitel Jr.
- Lisa Alvarez-cohen
Organizations
- University of California, Berkeley