Biodegradation of Trichloroethylene by Alcaligenes eutrophus JMP134 in a Laboratory Scale Bioreactor

Abstract

A single stage recirculating bioreactor with a pure culture of Alcaligenes eutrophus JMP134 and a packed gravel bed was operated for a two week period during which a maximum biodegradation of 88.4% of the influent trichloroethylene was observed with average performance of 71.8% at 8.4 hour hydraulic retention time. The reactor was then operated for a seven day period with the gravel bed removed, demonstrating a maximum degradation of 97.4% and an average of 95.6%. Average influent and effluent concentrations for the second case were 5.97 mg/l and 145 μg/l with a mean retention time of 14.1 hours. Phenol, supplied as the sole source of carbon and energy, was degraded below levels of detection (< 1.6 μM) in the effluent.