Open AccessPhysiological meaning and potential for application of reductive dechlorination by anaerobic bacteria
Author(s) -
Holliger Christof,
Schraa Gosse
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
fems microbiology reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.91
H-Index - 212
eISSN - 1574-6976
pISSN - 0168-6445
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6976.1994.tb00141.x
Subject(s) - bacteria , electron acceptor , reductive dechlorination , anaerobic bacteria , anaerobic exercise , metabolic pathway , biology , aryl , chemistry , alkyl , biochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , metabolism , organic chemistry , biodegradation , physiology , genetics
The physiological meaning of reductive dechlorination reactions catalyzed by anaerobic bacteria can be explained as a co‐metabolic activity or as a novel type of respiration. Co‐metabolic activities have been found mainly with alkyl halides. They are non‐specific reactions catalyzed by various enzyme systems of facultative as well as obligate anaerobic bacteria. In contrast, the reductive dechlorinations involved in metabolic respiration processes are very specific reactions. Only a limited number of alkyl and aryl chlorinated compounds is presently known to function as a terminal electron acceptor in a few, recently isolated bacteria. Metabolic dechlorination rates are in general several orders of magnitude higher than co‐metabolic ones. Both reaction types are suitable for the anaerobic treatment of waste streams.