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Cometabolic Degradation Of Halogenated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons By Aerobic Microorganisms Naturally Associated With Wetland Plant Roots, Madelyn M. Smith
Cometabolic Degradation Of Halogenated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons By Aerobic Microorganisms Naturally Associated With Wetland Plant Roots, Madelyn M. Smith
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Wetland systems provide both anaerobic (reducing) and aerobic (oxidizing) zones for the biodegradation of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAH). In particular, wetland plant roots provide micro-oxidizing environments for methanotrophic bacteria from the presence of methane, which is produced in anaerobic zones, and oxygen, which is brought to the subsurface by roots of wetland plants; this shows the potential for cometabolic degradation of common organic pollutants.
This study explored the natural attenuation of CAHs by methanotrophic bacteria naturally associated with roots of the common wetland plant, Carex comosa. Root microcosms were amended with varying concentrations of methane; trichloroethene; cis 1,2-dichloroethene; 1,2-dichloroethane; or …