Open AccessMethods for environmental monitoring of DOE waste disposal and storage sites. Semiannual progress report, April 1, 1988--September 30, 1988
Author(s) -
C.T. Hadden,
Sally Benson,
Tanya R. Osborne,
N. W. Revis
Publication year - 1988
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/563984
Subject(s) - environmental chemistry , degradation (telecommunications) , cometabolism , waste management , chlorinated solvents , contamination , groundwater , environmental science , chemistry , biodegradation , microorganism , trichloroethylene , bacteria , bioremediation , biology , organic chemistry , ecology , telecommunications , geotechnical engineering , engineering , computer science , genetics
Perchloroethylene (PCE) is a persistent environmental contaminant whose chemical stability and hydrophobicity have made it difficult to remove from contaminated groundwater. PCE is also toxic and has been implicated as a carcinogen. This study was aimed at assessing methods for biological degradation of PCE. As a part of the study, the authors have characterized possible products of the degradation of PCE, and have determined the effects of detergents and solvents on the water solubility of PCE and on the toxic effects of PCE on bacteria. The authors have also isolated PCE-resistant microorganisms from monitoring wells at Y-12. To date all of the PCE-resistant bacteria isolated from the monitoring wells have been of the genus Bacillus. One of these isolates appears to be able to degrade PCE, as indicated by the disappearance of PCE from cultures of growing cells. The organism does not grow on PCE as the sole carbon source, so degradation of the solvent must occur by cometabolism