Chloroethene biodegradation

Figure 19.10. (a) Principle of electrolytical stimulation of chloroethene biodegradation, (b) Electrochemical prodnction of hydrogen and oxygen down-gradient the electrodes in a model aquifer, (c) ElectrolyticaUy stimulated biodegradation of PCE in a flow-through column system. DC, direct current C, cathodic colnmn A, anodic column in, influent out, effluent n.d., not detected. 

Zhao H-P, Schmidt KR and Tiehm A. 2010. Inhibition of aerobic metabolic c -l,2-di-chloroethene biodegradation by other chloroethenes. Water Research 44 2276-2282. 

Figure 19.1. Schematic view of the reductive and oxidative biodegradation pathway for chloroethenes.

Until now, no studies were conducted to show the coupling of electrolysis and biodegradation in the field. However, recent laboratory experiments in original groundwater from a chloroethene-contaminated site indicate that electrolytic stimulation can be successfully supplied under hydrcx hemical field conditions (S.T. Lohner and A. Tiehm, unpublished data). 

Lohner ST, Becker D, Mangold K-M, Tiehm A (2011) Sequential reductive and oxidative biodegradation of chloroethenes stimulated in a coupled bioelectro-process. Environ Sci Technol 45 6491-6497... 

The disposal of poly(alkene) plastic waste is difficult, as much of it is chemically inert and non-biodegradable. When burnt, waste plastics may produce toxic products, such as hydrogen chloride from PVC (poly(chloroethene)). 

Mattes TE, Alexander AK and Coleman NV. 2010. Aerobic biodegradation of the chloroethenes pathways,... 

Tiehm A and Schmidt KR. 2011. Sequential anaerobic/aerobic biodegradation of chloroethenes-aspects of field application. Current Opinion in Biotechnology 22 415-421. 

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