The effect of sulfide on the reductive dehalogenation of tetrachloroethylene
Abstract
One of the potential variables that appears to play a major role in the development and dehalogenation ability of bacterial cultures is the external reductant employed in the research to reduce the liquid anaerobic medium. In this research, the effect of the addition of the external reductant, sodium sulfide, on the reductive dehalogenation of tetrachloroethylene was examined. Variations in dehalogenation, growth, and gas production, and organic acid consumption dependent on the initial sulfide concentration were observed in methanogenic enrichment cultures. Optimum values for growth and gas production from the cultures were at the 10-4 M sulfide concentration levels. Dehalogenation rates were optimized at the 10-2 M sulfide concentration. Maximum dehalogenation rates were 153 and 149 nMol g -1 min-1 for the cultures examined. Lactate was consumed by both cultures, and resulted in the production of acetate, propionate, and carbon dioxide. Formate consumption resulted in the production of acetate. Acetate and propionate consumption were limited for extended periods of time and ultimately varied with-sulfide concentration. From the results, the conclusion was drawn that no one acid served as an electron donor and provided the electrons for the dehalogenation of the tetrachloroethylene present.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Jacko, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Environmental science
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